Lillian Willis Bryant

"Jesus, Lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high. Hide me, O my Savior, hide, Till the storm of life is past; Safe into the haven guide; Oh, receive my soul at last." - Charles Wesley (1740)

Mrs. Lillian Willis Bryant, the second child and only daughter of Mr. Will and Mrs. Mary Chappell Willis, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama on June 6, 1932. Lillian matriculated through the public schools of Macon County and graduated from Washington Public High School in Tuskegee.

Lillian moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1953 and began a career with Textile Processors where she worked until her retirement after more than forty years. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and faithfully attend churches in both Tuskegee and Cleveland. While living in Cleveland, she joined Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church and served in various capacities until she relocated to Valdosta in 2002.

"Lil," as she was affectionately called, was a shy, retiring person who was most comfortable around family and friends. She was also a talented cook who took pride in serving "mouth - watering" meals to her brothers, nieces, and nephews. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, Lil could be found enjoying her favorite pastimes, watching the news. As a "connoisseur of news," Lil kept abreast of what was going on in the world. She was a known "authority" on current events by those who knew her best. She never hesitated to share her thoughts on politics, the weather, sports, and world affairs.

"Lil" was a devoted daughter, a loving sister and sister -in-law, and a doting aunt who gave freely and loved unconditionally. Before entering Heritage House Nursing facility, "Lil" shared her home with three of her brothers and cared for them during their life-ending illnesses. The care she gave to them was reciprocated in the loving care and devotion given to her by her brother, Robert, during her later years and the closing days of her life.

Lillian ("Lil") Willis Bryant’s life journey came to an end on Wednesday morning, September 12, 2018 at Heritage House Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Will Willis, Sr. and brothers: Morris Willis, Cranford Willis, Will Willis Jr. and Melvin Willis.

She leaves to cherish her memories, one brother, Robert Willis (Brenda) of Valdosta; three nieces: Angela Bell (Tom) of Cleveland, OH, Staci Willis Rawlings of Valdosta, and Lindsey Willis of East Point, Georgia; three nephews: Minister Tyrone Harrison (Gloria) of Jefferson, Georgia, LaRon Willis of Akron, OH, and Joshua Willis of Valdosta; several great nephews, great nieces, cousins, and friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mrs. Lillian Willis Bryant will be Monday, September 17, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at the chapel of Godfrey Funeral Home.

Dr. Norman Edwards will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 5009 GA Hwy 122 E, Hahira, GA.

Public viewing Sunday, September 16, 2018, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.,  at Godfrey Funeral Home.