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Lillian Breland Obituary
Miss Breland was a native of Greene County, where she attended the Leakesville Public Schools. Following high school graduation she was a student for two years at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. She graduated from Millsaps College in 1929 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also held M.Ed and M.A. degrees from Mississippi College.
Miss Breland then embarked upon a 41-year Mississippi teaching career that began in Runnelstown and ended at Murrah High School in Jackson. She also taught in Porterville, New Hebron, Glen Allan, and at Liberty Grove and Central High School in Jackson.
After retiring from teaching she was involved in numerous civic and social organizations. She was an active member of Riverside Congregational Methodist Church.
Millsaps College recently honored her by establishing the Irene Breland Award for Excellence in English and Literature. The award goes to an English major certified to teach English.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Minnie Peaster Breland; and four sisters, Sue Flurry, Kathleen McAlister, Elza Turner and Jane Hilburn.
She is survived by her brother, Dan E. Breland, Sr. and his wife Nancy of Jackson; nephews, L. Breland Hilburn, Dan E. Breland, Jr., Lloyd E. Turner, James T. Breland, and one niece, Eleana Turner Pope, all of Jackson. She is also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews, Mark Breland, Judson, Kathy, and John Holmes Hilburn, and Nigel, Helen, and Rose Turner, all of the Jackson area.
Memorials may be made to Irene Breland Memorial, Millsaps College, 1701 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39210-0001.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lillian Breland
Sponsored by Natalie Maynor.
Sarah Hall
October 28, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jane Davis (Eldridge)
November 27, 2006
Ms.Breland was always a "Trooper," but never more so than in her later years. She is the one teacher that I remember most from Murrah. (Class of '61)
Tim Whitsett
November 26, 2006
She touched the lot of us during her 99 years, and though it might be selfish, her life wasn't long enough for those of us unwilling to let her go.
Tim Whitsett (Ridgeland)
Carson Whitsett (Nashville)
Lucy Whitsett McGuire (Detroit)
Kit Whitsett Fields (Ridgeland)
Cynthia Whitsett Vowell(Nashville)
Rebecca Richmond
November 18, 2006
Miss Breland was a wonderful teacher. There is no doubt of that, but an amazing thing was that she remembered all of us. Every time I came home for a visit we would run into her, out and about, full speed ahead.
She always asked about my husband, Garland, by name and his sisters, by name.
She was so full of life. There will never be another one.
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. She will be missed by so many.
Rebecca Daniels Richmond (Murrah, class of '62) Marietta, Ga.
Melissa
November 11, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Breland personally, but many spoke very highly of her and cherished her presence. I hope that you can find comfort in the words found at John 5:28,29, which speak of a resurrection hope and welcoming back our lost loved ones.
Debra Chisolm
November 10, 2006
Miss Irene was such a unique person. I can still see her waving her arms at Brother Watson telling him it was time to wrap the sermon up. My condelences to the Breland family for their loss.
Johnel and Tim Leonard
November 7, 2006
Never has dinner at the Elite been so much fun as when Miss Breland was there. From her "Hello Emmit" to her "See you all later", our lives were blessed. Miss Breland was a wonderful lady full of life and God's goodness. We will miss her.
Norma (Newell) Price
November 6, 2006
I never had Miss Breland as a teacher but knew her very well. Her nephew would take her to the Elite every week and I would often see her there. Her memory was amazing and she always knew everybody's name. She was a wonderful person and earth's loss is heaven's gain.
Eleanor Drake
November 5, 2006
The CHS class of 1950 will miss having Miss Breland at our class reunions. We did not have the good fortune of having her as a teacher. She came to Central when we were seniors. However, she was always a part of all of our reunions. She proudly announced to us at our 55th class reunion last fall that she was the oldest living Central High Teacher. We deeply regret her unfortunate experience and her passing. She was a friend of my Uncle Boykin Turner.
Bob Denton
November 5, 2006
My favorite teacher of all time. She was truly "The Greatest"
Charles Breland
November 5, 2006
You will be missed by all dear cousin. Thanks for all those nights at The Elite.
Joan K. Cole
November 4, 2006
Such a wonderful southern lady, teacher & conselor who will be remembered always. We are truly blessed to have known her. God bless her family & friends.
Ray Jones
November 4, 2006
My sympathy to the family and know that Ms Breland was responsible for many of us getting out of High School. And for that and for her friendship, we are grateful.
Vicki Flynn
November 4, 2006
To have known Miss Breland is to have loved her....her many students have changed themselves & the world from her influences.
Vicki Hendershot Flynn
Johnel and Tim Leonard
November 4, 2006
Our lives are richer for having had her in it. Our memories have been enriched by her smiling face. Miss Breland was a wonderful person as well as a great teacher. God has blessed us all for having known her.
Bettye Walker
November 3, 2006
We were all encouraged by this wonderful lady.
Bettye Chamblin Walker
Kathy Blaylock
November 3, 2006
I did not know you but it sounds like your were the best mom aunt anyone could have had. God Bless you and yours
Judy and Guy Parker
November 3, 2006
With many memories, thoughts, and prayers. . .for a life lived better than well.
Sarah Hall
November 3, 2006
Miss Breland was someone you just keep remembering. My husband and I were having brunch one a.m. at the Wathall Hotel. It was several months ago. As I was looking out the window, I saw this lady drive up and I could see that she was on up in age. I ask one of the waitress who she was and she said that is Mrs. Breland she is 99 years old and she drives here for breakfast most everyday. We meet her that day for the first time. We talked and she shared her life story with us. I know that God ordered our paths that day for she blessed me and is still blessing me with her words of faith and love. I saw her as a very beautiful and sweet lady. She told us that she had enjoy every day of her life. Praise God she is now enjoying Heaven and all the glorious provisions God has made for her. May God bless and comfort this family.
John Pirie
November 3, 2006
My family knew Irene Breland and her family. She lived around the corner from my Grandmother's house in Jackson during the 60s. My condolences to the family at this time
Warren Willard
November 3, 2006
Ms Breland was a true lady of the South and an inspiration to all who had the honor of being around her. I will fondly carry memories of her with me as lomg as I live. The Class of '52 was truly blessed to have known this great lady.
Carol Ann Wilkerson
November 3, 2006
Eleana,
Your aunt sounded like a great "southern lady" and I know she will be missed. She must have been a great teacher from the number of on-line condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers and keep in touch.
Kennard Wellons
November 3, 2006
Irene Breland, your memory fortifies so many. You were one of the noblest of a noble profession.I shall never forget 30 tenth graders singing "Goodnight Irene, I'll see you in my dreams. . " to you at a picnic you gave for us at Riverside Park. Good Night Irene. We love you and thank you for so many wonderful memories; for being such an ethical, moral role model for so many of us; You enriched our lives no end. You shall live on and on.
Kerry Davis
November 3, 2006
Such a wonderful lady, teacher, and mentor who will always be remembered. Thank you. My deepest sympathy to your family, students and friends.
BurnaDean Barksdale
November 2, 2006
The last time we had the pleasure of visiting with Miss Breland was at the Walthall Hotel where we were dining with Mrs. Mary Hendrick. I was so honored to be in the company of two former precious teachers, church and school. Miss Breland was the shining light of our last Murrah reunion and we will miss her at our 50th more than words can express. She was a joy!
Milton Cooper
November 2, 2006
My favorite teacher and friend forever.
William J. Shepherd
November 2, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patricia McDougald
November 2, 2006
Of all of the many counselors I have had in my educational years-you were the one who listened, you understood me, and you taught me about the value of an education. You will be missed, but you will be blessed with many rewards and jewels in your crown.
Thankyou for your gift of teaching and wisdom.
Patricia Gail Ladner McDougald
Murrah-Class of '68
Arlington,Texas
JAMES SILLS
November 2, 2006
MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE WITH THE BREELAND FAMILY... SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON AS WELL AS A TEACHER...
Conrad Stietenroth
November 2, 2006
I was luckier than most by having Miss Breland as my seventh-grade English teacher in 1946 at Liberty Grove (Consolidated) School. After our area was annexed into the City of Jackson in 1949, Miss Breland and her entourage of hundreds of us Liberty Grovians migrated to the halls of Central High School. This was like a homecoming to me because I had spent my elementary school days at Duling. Again, at Central I had good fortune by having Miss Breland as an English teacher, homeroom teacher and counselor.
Miss Breland always seemed to cause me to want to do better – to exceed my own personal goals. I will never forget her.
Thank you, Irene Breland!! And thank God for sharing you with us mortals.
John H Caldwell, Jr.
November 2, 2006
We knew her only as a neighbor, but still it was inspirational to see her on the move every day, particularly with that still keen mind of hers. Our prayers are with the family.
Wallace McMillan
November 2, 2006
Miss Breland was a friend and inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She meant so much to so many.Surely, the passing of "Sunshine" will be mourned by her legions of friends. prayers for her family.
David Morgan
November 2, 2006
A life beautifully lived, Miss Breland. Thanks for leaving us your tools and blueprints.
David Morgan
Barbara Jones Cook
November 2, 2006
Miss Irene "as we called her behind her back", was an encouragement to all and an inspiration to many. "Miss Irene, we will miss you greatly.
David &Susan Yetter
November 2, 2006
What a Great inspiration she was to us during these last seven years and what great times we had together. She indeed taught us a lot about life. Her life lives on.
November 2, 2006
A truly great lady and a terrific teacher. We are all richer for having known her.
Bill Hosch, Murrah H.S. '71
Charles Noblin
November 2, 2006
What a difference she made in our lives.
Rhesa Barksdale
November 2, 2006
"SUNSHINE" BRELAND will always be a bright light in our lives. God bless and keep her.
Rees Barksdale, Murrah '62
John Stone
November 2, 2006
She was a mentor, friend, a perennial student herself. No wonder she taught us all -- like Emily Dickinson: "That Love is all there is / Is all we know of Love."
John Stone
William Hester
November 2, 2006
She was an inspired teacher who touched countless lives in the classroom and afterwards as well.
Greta Childress Rees
November 2, 2006
We are all better for having known Miss Breland.
Terry & Greta Rees - CHS,class of 1952
Deedie Scaife
November 2, 2006
My sincere sympathy to the family of Miss Breland. I know that she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was my 10th grade English teacher and my favorite teacher. May God's Peace be with all of you.
Sincerely,
Deedie Davis Scaife
Murrah High School Class of 1961
Sara Hull Leezer
November 2, 2006
Ms Breeland is among my precious memories of Murrah High School. She touched so many lives in many special ways. May she rest in peace and God bless her family.
Wayne Anderson
November 2, 2006
My prayers and thoughts are with all of the family at this time.
If I may be permitted, I would like to offer a short eulogy in this venue:
A legend has passed on to her reward.
Miss Breland was one of those unique individuals that made an impression on everyone she encountered. Although I first met Miss Breland relatively recently (about 1990 when I attended a United Daughters of the Confederacy function), I had already heard of her from a number of her former students. They all spoke of her with fondness and expressed their gratitude for the positive influence she had on their lives during formative years.
A genteel Southern lady, she spoke more than once at UDC luncheons expressing her feeling that all should evince their own Southern gentility by their language, manners, moral character and public image. Obviously, those who would do less needed more training and education in how to live their lives. And she was willing to help them if they wished it.
When I heard of her passing, I could not help but think that she’s probably up there already organizing old Bill Shakespeare, Bill Faulkner, Willie Morris, maybe Miss Eudora and a host of others into a guest lecture program on proper use of the English language. And I just hope old St. Peter didn’t use bad grammar when she got to the Pearly Gates.
Bettie Rich
November 2, 2006
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ms.Breland. She was a wonderful teacher. I always admired her and will remember her fondly. My sympathy to her family.
Bettie(McGee)Rich
Ocean Springs, MS
(Graduate of Central High School 1955)
KERRY HARRIS
November 2, 2006
GOD SAW A BETTER PLAN FOR HER.
Roland Brown
November 2, 2006
Few people have touched my life like Miss Breland did. Although she taught me over fifty years ago, she has always been one of my favorite people. I will miss her.
Jim and Carol (Barksdale) Lawson
November 2, 2006
A beautiful lady who taught and touched many lives. Wonderful memories to cherish!
June Wells Harrison
November 2, 2006
Yours was a life well lived. With deepest sympathy to your family in their loss.
Bruce, Bob, & Wally Campbell
November 2, 2006
We have and always will remember Miss Breland. She taught us at Liberty Grove and CHS
Agnes Martin
November 2, 2006
A beautiful life which touched so many.
Jim Harrison
November 2, 2006
A great teacher and a remarkable person.
Miriam (Mrs. Albert D.) Malone
November 2, 2006
What a tremendous life lived! Her example undoubtably influenced the paths of community service which others in her family have chosen. You must have been so blessed to have known her. I'm so sorry that I didn't; nevertheless, I feel the loss to the community, and the goodness that she imparted, as well.
Roy Adams
November 2, 2006
Happy from now on are those who die in the Lord! May the peace of the Lord be with the family and many friends of Miss Breland at this time of great need.
Lloyd Foster
November 2, 2006
We have lost a wonderful person and teacher,God has a very special place for people like her.
JUDY SULLIVAN
November 2, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
William Turk
November 2, 2006
Miss Breland tought me to respect smart people who believed she could teach young peole. Turk,Murrah '58
Bill Ready
November 2, 2006
How fortunate we are to have had teachers like Miss Breland. I am praying for the family.
Robert Jones
November 2, 2006
You taught me MORE than English classes ....
You taught me how to love to live, live to love, and the care for the feelings of others.
I may not remember all of those English lessons ..... but, I will never forget you.
Suzanne Peery Schutt
November 2, 2006
Even though she did not teach us, she remembered Wallie and me at every reunion. She was an angel to so many, and now she is a heavenly one.
LTC Gerald Russell
November 2, 2006
Life is but a moment --Ms Breland's deeds will last an eternity.
Pansy Lynch Saxton
November 2, 2006
We need more like her, she was a great teacher.
MARVIN MYERS
November 2, 2006
What a marvelous life and legacy. She touched so many people & she will be remembered for years to come. God bless her family & friends.
Josie McEachern Tucker
November 2, 2006
Truly - one of the greats! We need more teachers like Miss Irene.
Ann Atterberru
November 2, 2006
With sympathy to the family and appreciation to Miss Breland from a former student.
Ann Donaldson Atterberry (Liberty Grove, CHS)
Joe Latham
November 2, 2006
My all time favorite teacher. You will not be forgotten.
EARL STAIRES
November 2, 2006
god bless you in every thought of a marvelous and wonderful teacher with a loving heart
Bruce Breland
November 2, 2006
I have heard so many wonderful comments about Mrs. Breland. I wish that I had known her. God be with the family.
Roy McDaniel
November 2, 2006
In remembrance of the greatest teacher in the state of Mississippi. She is the most beautiful lady in the state. Ms Breland, you will NOT be forgotten!
Bobby Harris
November 1, 2006
As long as someone lives who loves and remembers, nobody dies.
Carolyn Whatley Turner
November 1, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Hoyle Turner
November 1, 2006
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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