of Marshall, AR

March 8, 1917 - September 14, 2005

The terms "housewife" or "stay-at-home mom" were never quite adequate for Lillie Mays. She was, by profession, a "homemaker". Like most mothers of college bound baby boomers, Lillie spent some of her super mom years working outside the home. But her passion for homemaking never faltered. Every speck of energy she could muster, even until the day of her fatal stroke, was directed at providing a comfortable and welcoming home for her husband, her children,her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and anyone else fortunate enough to happen into Mama Lil's kitchen.

She was in that kitchen, busying around at the age of 88 when she was stricken by the massive stroke that eventually took her life on September 14. Thanks to the progressive compassion of hospice care, Lillie spent her last few days in the home she loved, surrounded by the family she cherished.

Born the fifth of five children to parents Neal and Allie Morris, of Mountain View, Arkansas, Lillie lived her carefree early years helping with the chores on her family's farm near Turkey Creek in Stone County. But times on the farm became hard in the early 30's, and when her mother became very ill, 15-year-old Lillie was forced to move to Marshall to find work and complete her education. Eighty-nine-year old Buck Mays Jr., says Lillie's move to Marshall was the best thing that ever happened to him. At age 16, he was quickly smitten by the new girl in school and remains so til this day and evermore.

With music in her genes and Christ in her heart, Lillie became a "waltzing" Baptist at an early age. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Marshall where her clear soprano voice and God-given perfect pitch graced the choir for over half a century. She served at every position in the The Order of the Eastern Star, including one term as Worthy Matron.

Lillie Mae Morris Mays was preceded in death by her mother and father, one sister, Mae, who died as a toddler, and two brothers: A.J. Morris of Mountain View, and James Corbett Morris (Jimmy Driftwood) of Timbo. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Buck Mays Jr. of Marshall, one sister, Jeannie McLelland of Rogers, two daughters and two sons-in-law, Allena and Clair Jones of Boerne, Texas, and Beth and Gerald Meacham of Batesville, two sons and two daughters-in-law, Buck and Vicki Mays of Silver Hill and Dr. Ben and Linda Mays of Clinton, thirteen grandchildren; Christy Dolan, Betsy Meacham, Bart Meacham, Neal Mays, Noel Mays, Sarah Briscoe, Mary Mays, Ross Mays, Leah Krebs, Ryan Mays, Rob Mays, Rhett Mays, and Tamar Cunningham, and nine great grandchildren; Billy, Autumn, and Allie Dolan, Parker Meacham, Bradley, Anna, and Lillie Mays, Benjamin Mays, and Elias Mays.

Funeral services are Friday, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Marshall, with Gary Kirkendoll officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery, Marshall,Arkansas under the direction of Roller Coffman Funeral Home. 870-448-3338

Pallbearers are Bart Meachem, Ross Mays, Neal Mays, Noel Mays, Ryan Mays, Rob Mays, Rhett Mays, and Billy Dolan.

Memorials may be sent to Zion's Light Baptist Church, Route 1, Box 175, St. Joe, AR.72675, or First Baptist Church P.O. Box 789, Marshall, AR. 72650

Sign Guestbook

8 Condolence(s)