Lillie Stokes passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family April 5, 2025. She was born in Macon, Georgia and was the baby child of nine children. She was preceded in death by her father Edmund Harden Sr and mother Iola Harden, husband Frank Stokes Sr, brothers Richard Harden, David Harden, Edmund Harden Jr, Charles Harden and sisters Margaret Harden Brown, Mamie Lee Trimble, Doris Harden and sons Frank Stokes Jr., James Stokes , Vernon Stokes, Michael Dillard, daughter-in-law Gennifer Stokes and survived by sister Lena Mae Harden Talley-Simmons, son Leroy (Essie) Dillard, daughter Patricia (Rick) Asberry, daughter Evelyn Stokes, daughter Vivian Stokes, son Tony (Andrea) Stokes, son Jeffrey Stokes, son Ronnie (Lavita) Stokes, daughter Tina Newton and son Terry Stokes. Daughter-in-law Johnnie Stokes Lillie also lovingly raised her grandchildren Jessica, Jenean, and Jeffrey Stokes II as her own. She also looked at her grandson Darrin Carter as a son. She attended Union Bibb Elementary and Ballard High School. She loved school, participated in spelling bees and was excellent in math. Lillie was her dad's favorite and not surprisingly her baby boys Michael and Terry were hers. She was excellent with crossword puzzles which she would complete in record time. Her favorite game shows were Family Feud Jeopardy, $100,000 Pyramid, Price of Right, Let's Make A Deal, and Wheel of Fortune. She always looked forward to getting her hair done by her hairdresser Chris Smith She took great joy in seeing all of her family especially her three year old great grand child namesake Lillie Stokes (Jeffrey Stokes II's daughter). Lillie enjoyed dancing and would jump to the floor instantly especially when she heard R Kelly or James Brown's music. Once she hunched that shoulder while moving and grooving, she would put people to shame. While playing the card game Hearts, mom's strategy would always be for Dad to lose which equated to him drinking a full glass of water. Her niece Gertrude, who was close to her in age, fondly remembered the adventures they shared as children. Around the age of 11 or 12, they would climb trees together, sometimes collecting eggs from birds' nests to cook. Once, they were startled when an egg unexpectedly revealed a baby bird inside—an innocent surprise that stuck with them for years. The two also had a knack for inventiveness: since they weren't yet allowed to cook with fire, they'd make peanut brittle by heating syrup and peanuts on the sun-warmed surface of their tin roof. Within her family tree, she has over 25 grandchildren, over 30 great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. Lillie retired after 27 years as the Lunch Room Director at Allen Elementary School where she touched the lives of thousands in the community. We would especially like to acknowledge her daughter Patricia Asberry, for her unwavering, daily dedication to caring for our mother and for ensuring her heartfelt wish—to remain in her home for as long as possible—which was lovingly fulfilled. We also appreciate her granddaughter Jasmine Suggs for her physical and spiritual support. We'd like to acknowledge her son Leroy and daughter-in-law Essie Dillard for opening their home and sharing the responsibility of taking care of mom as well. Giving thanks to care givers Carolyn Johnson, Yvette Garner, grandson Joshua Dillard and faithful nurse Michelle McGee from Aultman Hospice and Special friend Frances Garner A special thank you to Pastor Shawn Lemon and the Sherrick Road Church of God Family, her home church. She always talked about Pastor Shawn's powerful prayers.