Ella Willene Lilly

Ella Willene Jackson Lilly joined her treasured husband, Frank Lilly, in Heaven on October 30, 2025 at the age 79 with 6 days left to 80! Willene was born on November 5, 1945 to Oleta Rusk Garrett and Cody Garrett in Point, Texas. After living most of her adult life in East Texas (specifically Lindale), she later moved to Bedford, TX where she resided the past few years with her daughters and granddaughters.
Willene led an amazing life and touched many people. She started her teaching career in Fairfield, Texas in 1965 at the age of 20 and remained an educator for the remainder of her 54 year career. She taught a variety of vocational classes from middle school through college level, and after retiring in 2005, she continued to enjoy time with students as a substitute teacher in high school for many years. The students loved when Mrs. Lilly was there and would help push her around in her wheelchair and carry her things for her. The teachers she subbed for loved her visits as well because she made it a point to always leave a little gift behind. In addition to teaching literally thousands of students not only usable skills but also so much about life, Willene wrote two books, was a sought-after public motivational speaker, and was a leader in so many ways. Despite battling health issues for over half of her life, she always had a smile on her face and was ready to help anyone with anything if she was able.
Mrs. Lilly's heart bled blue and white for the Lindale Eagles. She LOVED her small town and the people in it. She was a ring leader in getting groups of people together for fun and fellowship – from all of the neighbors in the neighborhood, to close co-worker friend groups, to groups of students just having a fun place to hang out – with plenty of food to eat – after school.
Beyond teaching and taking care of her family, Willene was a beacon of support for others.
Not only her many students over the years, but she also led a grief support group for other women shortly after Frank passed, she worked with hospice patients, and she was a volunteer for CASA of East Texas (Court Appointed Special Advocates). She was always thinking of new and unique ways to use her time helping others. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking/baking and feeding neighbors, shopping, rescuing animals, sewing, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and collecting enough plants to make her house seem like a jungle.
Willene will be lovingly remembered by two daughters: Amber Lilly Baquet, Jodi Lilly Protsman and her husband Jacob; two sons: Samuel and Jack Lilly; grandchildren: Addison Baquet, Brylee Baquet, Alexus Lilly-Valentine, and Blake Lilly; cats: Kit-ten (Fat Cat) and Gracie; and numerous grandpets.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale. Funeral services will be held at New Harmony Baptist Church on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 2:00pm with Bro. Robbie Caldwell and Dr. Chris Webb officiating. Willene will be laid to rest next to the love of her life, Frank, in the New Harmony Cemetery.