Lillian Smith Edmond

Lillian Smith Edmond was born June 18, 1931, in Sardis, MS. She was the oldest of six children born to the
union of the late Elmer and Lear Green Smith. After the passing of their mother, Lillian and her siblings
went to live with their paternal grandparents the late Ed and Cora Smith on their family farm also in
Sardis, MS. 

Lillian excelled in education graduating valedictorian of her class at Walton Chapel High School, Sardis,
MS. She was offered an opportunity to continue her studies in education but opted to stay in Sardis, MS
until she married the love of her life, James Edmond on April 16, 1952. They relocated to Gary, IN and to
this union five children were born: Janice, Mark, Gregory, Cornelia Denise, and Angela.
Lillian professed Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist
Church and ultimately the City of Praise Church both in Gary, IN. Sister Edmond loved her church family
and was known for her great hugs, kind words, never-ending smile and delicious pot-luck dishes. She
was a very active and dedicated servant in the Nurses and Marriage Ministries, always a great resource
of advice and encouragement. She remained active until her illness no longer allowed.

Lillian was known for her hospitality and generosity. She loved people and was always a great listener.
These characteristics were evident in her professional life. She began her career at A & P Groceries, she then
became a Jewelry Consultant with Carson Pirie Scott Department Store and Rogers and Hollands Jewelers.

Her love of children was not limited to her many years of active involvement in school PTA. It was exemplified in her employment thru the Catholic Charities where she worked at two daycares in Hammond, IN as a teacher's aide and
reading tutor until her illness.

Six siblings preceded her death: Elmer Jr, Bonnie, Drain, William, George, and Willie Mae. Her son Mark
also preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving husband of 70+ years James Edmond, Children:
Janice (Stanley) Baldwin, Gregory (Barbara) Edmond, Cornelia Denise Edmond, and Angela (Stephen)
Currie; and bonus daughter Toni Jones; Siblings: Lucille Fletcher, Jelline Smith, Linda Smith, Charles
Smith; Sister-in-laws: Patricia Edmond, and George Ann Edmond; Brother-in-laws; Robert (Dorothy)
Edmond, Henry (Leola) Edmond, and Earnest Edmond. Grandchildren: Myla Edmond, Mark Edmond II,
Cord Baldwin, Brandon Edmond, Raina (Michael) Johnson, Devin Baldwin, Darryl Jordan, Jr and Auston
Edmond; Great grandchildren: Lily Edmond, Selah Edmond, Courtney Baldwin and Kiya Baldwin. And
also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.