Lillian Louise Walker Stennis

1913 - 2012

Obituary

Lillian Louise Walker was born on September 5, 1913, in Nashville, Tennessee, the second eldest child of four children, and the last remaining child borne to Prather and Voila Walker. Lillian graduated from Pearl High School in 1932.  She attended Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College but later left the institution after a semester because her family couldn't afford to pay for her college education. Lillian, undeterred, was devoted and faithful to her church even at an early age, serving in all areas of ministry service over the years; she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Director, choir member, pianist, C.M.E Church Conference Secretary and President of the Missionary Society.

In 1935, Lillian married Ozie Hiawatha Stennis and had four children: Amelia, Roy, Hubert and Yvonne. Lillian was a loving and caring mother dedicated to raising her children and supporting her husband and extended family, helping raise several grandchildren and great-grandchildren in her home. She was an accomplished seamstress and excellent cook. Lillian sewed the clothes for her children growing up and made sure a hot meal was prepared when her children arrived home from school. Lillian, the consummate homemaker, was socially active in the Garden Club, she and Ozie traveled with the Garden Club along the east coast to places like New York City, Washington D.C. and Canada.

 In the '70s like many women, Lillian put on her pants and went to work. She worked with the kitchen staff at McKendree United Methodist Church in downtown Nashville. Lillian worked there for many years while caring for her elderly father, who lived with her until he passed at age of 93. Lillian was also the caregiver for her sister-in-law, Cozie, Ozie's twin sister. After 52 years of marriage, Lillian's husband died in 1987.

Lillian Louise Stennis had been a faithful and dedicated member of Phillips Chapel C.M.E. Church all of her life, and at the time of her death was the oldest and longest serving member. Lillian's father Prather Walker Sr. and David Daniel Venerable founded Holsey Mission in 1910, which later became Phillips Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1964. Lillian's influence begins with her unwavering commitment to serving her church community; and extends to her infectious smile, positive spirit, warmth and inner beauty which are a true testimony to her faith and conviction.

Lillian was full of life and lived life to the fullest to the very end. She was blessed with longevity and vitality, in fact, three months ago she took a road trip to South Beach Miami; and at the young age of 98, Lillian officially retired her "high-heels."

Lillian is survived by a loving extended family which includes her three children: Roy (Ursula) Stennis, Hubert (Addie Mae) Stennis, and Yvonne Webb; Thirteen grandchildren: Pamela (Eddie) Hurd, Kevin Carter, Lisa Webb, David (Wanda) Stennis, Michelle Carter, Kimberly Suttle, Mary (Renis) Davis, Roy Stennis, Jr., Anthony (Mondain) Stennis, Hubert Stennis, Sheila Stennis, Romanda Stennis, and Henneth Patterson; Twenty-five great-grandchildren; Twenty great-great-grandchildren; One great-great-great-grandchild and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

Family Visitation
 Saturday, November 10, 2012
10:00 am-11:00 am
 with
 Funeral to follow
 at
 Phillip's Chapel C.M.E. Church
97 Lewis Street
Nashville, TN

Pastor Charles E. Winfrey Jr., Eulogist


Interment
 Greenwood Cemetery