Rosetta C. Lillard

Rosetta C. Lillard PORTSMOUTH - Evangelist Dr. Rosetta C. Lillard of the 800 block of Tazewell St., answered the Master's call Aug. 7, 2009, at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth. She was born and raised in the historic Truxton section of Portsmouth, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Henry and Georgia Edwards Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Horace R. Lillard Jr. (retired Navy veteran). Dr. Lillard was educated in the Portsmouth public school system and was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School. She subsequently attended Norfolk State College where she studied business administration. She earned the Doctor of Humanities in Ministry degree from Emmanuel Bible University. Dr. Lillard was also awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from CAP Bible College and Seminary for a lifetime of extraordinary Christian achievement and service. She loved the Lord, and was a faithful member of the Garden of Prayer Worship Center, Church of God in Christ. She served in many capacities including Prayer and Bible Band Teacher, member of the Altar Workers Board, and served in many outreach ministries. She was a virtuous and godly woman who served as a shining example of Christian womanhood. Her generous nature, kindness and lovely smile was a blessing to the entire congregation. A remarkable communicator, Evangelist Dr. Rosetta Lillard was the well-known announcer of the weekly Prayer Partners Radio Ministry broadcast on radio station WGPL. One of the founding members, she also served as vice president and secretary of the Prayer Partners Radio Ministry. She was a lover of beauty which was reflected in her beautiful clothing and hats, and in the beautiful home and flower garden she maintained. Evangelist Dr. Rosetta Lillard leaves to cherish her memory four sons, Horace R. Lillard (Valerie), the Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Lillard, the Rev. Dr. Calvin A. Lillard (Helen), all of Portsmouth, Carlton E. Lillard (Phyllis) of Chesapeake; sisters, Mother Beulah Smith, Mrs. Lillian Edwards, Evangelist Dr. Rachel O. Harris; sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Smith all of Portsmouth; brother, Robert Smith (Ruth) of Portsmouth; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and beloved friends. A wake will be held at Corprew Funeral Home, Portsmouth, today, Aug. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Garden of Prayer Worship Center, 1001 Church St., Norfolk. Bishop Designee Levi Willis II will officiate. Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Cemetery, Chesapeake.