Ttme! Mother Lillie W. Thomas Saturday, October 1, 2011 1:00PM Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 315 5th Avenue. Decatur, GA 30030 REVEREND ROBERT WELCH, PASTOR Our Mom, Mrs. Lillie W. Thomas, began her life's journey on June 24, 1919 in Wrens, Georgia. She was born to two loving parents, both now serving in God's Heavenly Army. Mama reported to duty with the angels on September 24, 2011. She attended Washington High School. She married our father, Rev. Foster Thomas. Out of this union of love was born four children: three girls and one boy. She was a long-term member o Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a faithful member of the Abe leach Deborah Sunday school class and Ladies' Bible Class. She pursued a Nursing career at one point on her journey. Stle later offered her services as a private duty domestic. Nine grandchildren: Kristy, Kirsey (T.J.) and Zechariah Williams; Napoleon, Nathaniel, Roxie Andrea, manuel, John and Gabrielle Griffin. Six great-grandchildren: Jada, Kahla, Dominick, Nateah, Natara and Nathaniel Jr. Sister: Ms. Mozelle Kelly in Maryland. Sister-in-Law: Ruth Butler in Atlanta, Georgia. A host of Nieces, Nephews, other Relatives, and Friends. f/liiJtc(} REVEREND ROBERT WELCH, PRESIDING Prelude Processional 1 Viewing Selection Choir Prayer Rev. Poleon Griffin Oak Grove Baptist Church, Jackson, GA Scripture Old Testament - 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Rev. Elisha V. Lester Clarkston First Baptist Church, Clarkston, GA New Testament-2 Corinthians 5:1-10 Rev. James Bowens Jr. Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Solo Evangelist Mary Bibb Remarks Deacon & Deaconess Rep of Little Friendship MBC Friend Friend Grandson Lillie's Story Clarkston First B. C. Mother Board Min. Conference Deacon Charles & Ellen Turner Deacon Charlie & Linda Miller Cordelia Perkins John Griffin Verlene Brown Mother Mary Lester Solo Sharika Allen Obituary (Read silently) Solo Eulogy Annette Wright Rev. Ronald Mclaughlin Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Chu h Goin' Up Yonder INTERMENT Lincoln Cemetery 2275 Joseph East Boone Blvd Atlanta, GA 30314 -Dinner served at the church following the interment- After being disabled by diabetes, our Mom always believed she would walk again. Mom, you were right, and as you wished; you now have your golden slippers to walk around on heaven's golden streets. You never allowed your physical challenges to diminish your spirit of, "Yes I Can." You never adopted a victim's mentality. Instead, you remained an example of strength, courage, faith, and love. You never dwelled on what was not possible. You believed "All things were possible through Christ Jesus who strengthened you." We can still hear you saying; "The Lord will make a way somehow. God can do anything, but fail. You must believe and not doubt him." When it came to being a Mother, our Mom was in a class of her own. She made countless sacrifices. Always smiling. Your wisdom has guided us throughout the years. When once asked for marital advice, she replied "you can always catch another man and another bus." Her wonderful sense of humor always managed to lift our spirits. Every prospective mate had to meet her stamp of approval. Of my sister's husband; she said, "he's a good ole broom." At one point, when refusing to have her leg amputated (after having an ultimatum placed before her of either have surgery or go home) she responded, "There's no place like home." She had a feisty, yet loving spirit. She often wore her favorite accessory, a beautiful hat to accompany her eloquent style of dressing. Her steps were that of royalty. Her strong faith in God gave her the confidence to live courageously. She believed that Sunday School was a non-negotiable must. She grounded us in faith and the knowledge of God. She gave us what money could never supply. Family was very important to her. She was completely committed and dedicated to the well being of us all. Her presence made us feel safe. Now, in her absence we are protected by the love of Jesus. The 23rd Psalms was one of her favorite scriptures. Recently discovered was her favorite song, ~~Everybody Ought to Pray Sometime." Now she will be singing her favorite songs with the Heavenly voices of the Angels. Someday, Mom, we will see you again. Oh, what a rejoicing that will be! I know it's hard to say good-bye Perhaps you fee/lonely and left alone It's okay to laugh and to cry Because I ain't dead-I've just gone home. My earthly house had gotten weary There was pain, I would moan and groan Don't grieve andfeel sad or teary Remember, I ain't dead-I've just gone home. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad Think ofhow strong you have grown Hold your head up, don't be sad God is good, I ain't dead-I've just gone home. My Father came often to see me We talked and talked for so long He smiled and said, yes I see" It's time now my child, come home. So, I reached up to His outstretched hand Right away I was healed and made strong I am now living in sweet Beulah Land No, I ain't dead-I've just gone to my Heavenly Home! -By Minister Shirley Gardner Sisters in Prayer Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Your Light Shall Still Shine By Angela S. Florence -God said let your light shine - So that others may see Let your light shine, and I will draw all men unto me Your light, Mother, shall shine For it will glow through each of us We will try to live a life that is pleasing to Christ We will try to honor him as you did Yes, in God we will trust You gave of yourself not only to your children But also unto others as they came You taught us about the fruits of the Spirit, And the importance of Jesus' name You were like an oak tree Whose branches weathered many storms You stood your ground and kept the faith And with Joy you pressed on You opened up your heart, home, and your arms And allowed others to come in You displayed one of God's golden rules Love covers a multitude of sin You were an inspiration to us As we left the Mother's nest You encouraged us to cast our cares upon the Lord "He will see you through," you said God knows what is best Mother, we shall remember you Always in our hearts as each day passes by You were a very special light to us That God sent from Heaven's sky Your light will shine on; it will glow in our hearts We thank God for you dear Mother, for you have truly done your part We Will Love You Always- Your Children llrilrgA 7/rat" Malle VA ~ Wlren We 7/rilrlt oF My Granny was a woman of great GRANNY WOULD ALWAYS Whenever I faith. She was God-fearing, loving, TELL ME IF THERE'S ANY- called Granny, caring and free spirited. She always kept me smiling and laughing with her stories about family and life. THING I'M GOING THROUGH, TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER. HE CAN SOLVE ALL MY PROBLEMS. she always recognized my voice and say, "Is that Granny loved to sing, and boy could she eat! She would say, T.J. John John, the one I love." "When you eat all your food up, you will have sexy legs like me." It made When Granny says, "GG, how John me smile every time I went to visit her to take her lunch. She was so excited to see me as if she hadn't seen me in years. does mY hair 1oo1<," I asr