Lillias Prillaman

Lillias Bidwell Prillaman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend passed away Saturday October 18, 2025 at the age of 93 surrounded by her family. She and her sister Mary, born in Cambridge, Maryland on September 4, 1932, were identical mirror twins who shared a lifelong bond. At the age of five, Lil moved to Marietta, Georgia, where she would go on to graduate from Marietta High School in 1950. Together Lil and Mary were known as the "Bidwell Twins" in the Marietta School System.

After high school, Lil attended Lincoln Memorial University, where she spent her freshman year before returning to Marietta to work so her sister could also attend college. The next year she returned to LMU, where she met Bob, the love of her life and lifetime partner. They met after Bob bet five dollars with his buddies he could get a date with the beautiful Lil. They were married in 1953, and together they raised three children: Owen, Cathy, and Mary.

After her children were grown, Lil became a teacher's aide at Westside Elementary, where she spent many joyful years caring for children and sharing countless adventures with her lifelong teacher friends. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was passionate about reading, playing bridge, quilting, and giving back to her community.

Lil was also an avid traveler, but it was her time spent with her Panama City Gang and at her beach house on Harbor Island, SC that she cherished most. She loved her early morning beach walks, always eager to report the progress of the sea turtle nests she observed along the shore.

In her thirties, Lil discovered a love for painting, a hobby she pursued for over fifty years. She was an active member of the Junior League of Cobb Marietta and the Marietta Cherokee Rose Garden Club. Lil also made a lasting impact on education and healthcare in her community, supporting Kennesaw State University through scholarships and playing a vital role as a founding member of Wellstar Women's Center.

Her contributions to her community, her love for her family, and her unwavering dedication to others left an indelible mark. Lil's final years were spent at Sterling Estates Assisted Living, where she was deeply loved by the staff, Blossom Home Care, and Agape Hospice, who provided compassionate care during her final days.

Lil is survived by her children, Owen Prillaman (Melanie), Cathy Brooks (Richard) and Mary Prillaman Holland; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Hewett (Chris), Rebecca Prillaman, Hilary Butler (Michael), Mary Kayla Oliver (Josh) and great grandchildren, Esther and Lillias Hewett, Hanna Butler; sisters, Mary Stopher and Sylvia Chastain; beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob and parents Ruth and Charleton Bidwell.

Visitation will be at Mayes Ward Funeral Home in Marietta Thursday October 23rd at 1:00 p.m. followed by a 2:00 p.m. memorial service celebrating Lil's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wellstar Foundation or Lil Prillaman Scholarship at Kennesaw State University.