Lillie Mae Savage

Born on March 30, 1951, in Norfolk, Virginia, Lillie Savage lived a life rich in love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her warmth was felt by all who knew her, and her legacy is deeply rooted in the lives she touched.

As a wife, she was deeply devoted for over 50 years to her now deceased husband, and as a mother, she was equally devoted to her three children-steadfast and nurturing. She raised her children with grace and strength, teaching them the values of togetherness, perseverance, hard work, and love. As a grandmother, her joy knew no bounds. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them- whether through shared laughter and stories, working together in her garden, watching movies, or visits to the mall, she enjoyed her time with them.

Throughout her life, she had a gift for caring for others. Whether it was family, friends, or complete strangers, she always seemed to know just what someone needed-a warm meal, a kind word, or a place to stay. Her generosity knew no bounds. If you needed her, she was there. Her compassion extended to animals as well. The grandchildren would say that she ran an unofficial animal rescue shelter in her home. Either a person or an animal mattered not to her; some came lost or abandoned; others broken or afraid-but under her roof, they all found love, safety, and a soft place to land. She nursed the sick, fed the hungry, and opened her doors to every human, paw, and purr that crossed her path. Her 17 years as an instructional Assistant for special needs children with Norfolk Public Schools would testify to her need to serve others.

To her friends, Lillie was a loyal companion, always ready with a listening ear, a kind word, and a heart open to give. Her door-and her heart-were always open, and her legacy of generosity and love will be carried forward by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Mable Francis; her husband of 52 years, Gerald Lee Savage; and her oldest brother, Lee Carlson. She is survived by her children, Stephanie Little (Ronnie-deceased), Serena Vaughan, and Jerome Savage (Donna); her grandchildren, Claude, Tasha, Selina, SheRon, Shania, Azariah, Aysha, Alijah, Tiaira, Trey, and Jacob; her 11 grand-children; her brothers and sisters; Shirley, Joyce, Peggy, George, and Charles, and a wide circle of friends and extended family who loved her deeply.