Lillian Bumpus

On August 5, 2025, the world lost a beacon of light, grace, wisdom, and quiet strength as Lillian Jean Bumpus peacefully transitioned from this life at the age of 90. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy etched in faith, service, and selfless love. Jean was born on June 14, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Lucy Mae and Rudolph Smith. Raised in the vibrant and proud community of Orange Mound, Jean grew up deeply rooted in the values of family, education, and faith. In 1944, Jean embraced the role of "big sister" to Rudolph Donahue Smith. A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted… A brilliant student, Jean matriculated through Melrose Schools from 1st through 12th grade, and she graduated as valedictorian of her senior class. Awarded a scholarship to LeMoyne College, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and later pursued her Master's degree in Education from Memphis State University. Education was her calling, and she devoted more than 42 years to Memphis City Schools as a first-grade teacher and Instructional Facilitator-becoming affectionately known as "everyone's favorite teacher". Her classroom was a sanctuary of joy, curiosity, and nurturing care, where she inspired generations of children to believe in their worth and their potential. And for those students who needed a stern reminder of how to behave, "Mr. Hot Chocolate" wasn't far away. A time to love, and a time to embrace… On December 23, 1960, Jean married the love of her life, Edward Arthur Bumpus. Their love story spanned 54 beautiful years. Together, they raised their beloved daughter, Lucia Lynnette, and built a home in Parkway Vista- a place overflowing with tradition, laughter, and good food. They were intentional about creating memories with family, Parkway Vista neighbors, and friends throughout the years which ensured that Lucia would always feel their unwavering love and the strength of the village surrounding her. Jean and Ed's life together was forever enriched by the birth of their grandchildren-Sydni Alexandria (1996) and Noah Edward (2001). They proudly embraced the role of Maw Maw and Poppi and instilled unconditional love, guidance, and a rich family history of memories to last a lifetime. The legacy continues… A time to build up… and a time to laugh… Jean was a lifelong and devoted member of Mt. Pisgah Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she used her talents and Christian faith to serve in the following ministries of the church: Circle Leader of the Deborah Missionary Circle; Thelma Dudley Missionary Education Secretary; Sunday School Secretary; Director of Children's Work; Director of Mt. Pisgah Child Care Center founded by Bishop E. Lynn Brown; Junior Choir Member; Benevolent Treasurer of Stewardess Board; member and former officer of the B. R. Danner Club; and Vacation Bible School Teacher. In addition, she was known throughout the connectional church. She always served with grace and humility. Remembering the joy brought by the visits of church members when her mother was ill, visiting the Sick and Shut In of her church became her unspoken, unheralded mission in life. Her commitment to service extended into the wider community through her work with Church Women United Inc., the Memphis Branch of the NAACP, the Cardette Bridge Club, Melrose Scholarship Committee, a founding member of New Directions, Inc. and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. A time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak… Jean also cherished the gift of friendship. Over the years, she cultivated many trusted and long-lasting relationships, some spanning decades. She loved nothing more than spending hours on the phone catching up-sharing stories, sending a card, offering encouragement, and reminding those she loved how much they meant to her. These treasured bonds were a source of joy and comfort, both to her and to those fortunate enough to call her a friend. She delighted in life's quiet pleasures-solving sudoku and crossword puzzles, reading, playing solitaire, and cheering on her beloved Memphis Grizzlies. Most recently, she attended the game and retirement of Tony Allen's jersey. She cheered and celebrated this fun occasion. Her wit, calm wisdom, and gentle spirit brought light into every room she entered. A time to mourn, and a time to dance… She is preceded in death by her parents, Lucy Mae and Rudolph Smith, and her devoted husband of 54 years, Edward Arthur Bumpus. Her legacy and light will forever be embraced by her loving daughter, Lucia Bumpus Clinkscales; two adoring grandchildren, Sydni Alexandria and Noah Edward Clinkscales; her cherished younger brother, Dr. Rudolph Smith of Chicago, Illinois; nieces, especially Donna Bracey, Adria Chambers, and Andrea Dandridge; nephews, especially Garmer Currie, Taurus Currie, Vince Reed, James Bumpus, and Aaron Kelly; and cousins, friends, neighbors, and former students who were all blessed by her love and guidance. A time to every purpose under heaven… Lillian Jean Bumpus lived with quiet dignity, unwavering faith, and an open heart. She sowed seeds of kindness, purpose, and education that will continue to grow for generations. She taught not only lessons from books, but lessons of grace, perseverance, and everlasting love. The family will receive friends Friday, August 15, 2025 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 11:00am both will be held at Mt Pisgah CME Church 2490 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38114 Internment will be Monday, August 18, 2025 11:00am in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125