Olivia Tinsley-Lillard

Mrs. Olivia Tinsley-Lillard 87 passed this life into eternity early Saturday morning, December 6, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. Until that day she had been well taken care of in her home.

Olivia Tinsley-Lillard was born on September 27, 1938, in Centerville, Alabama. She was born to Thomas Fred and Bertha Mae Carter-Williams. Olivia was married to Leland Howard Tinsley until his death in 1976. On November 5, 2005, Olivia was united in holy matrimony to Theotto "Sonny" Lillard II. They shared a beautiful marriage. He precedes her in death.

Olivia graduated from Danville High School in 1956. After completion of high school, Olivia began her employment at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois in the administrative department. She later went on to earn her Associates in Applied Science degree from Danville Area Community College. After obtaining her degree she went on to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Administrative and Radiology Departments where she retired in 1993.

Olivia loved the Lord and gave her life to Christ and had been a devout and active member of Second Baptist Church since 1979. She served on various committees and boards. Olivia was the financial secretary for SBC for years. She was an usher and served on the Mother's board until she was no longer able to attend church in person due to her illness. Olivia loved her church. She was extremely proud of her church especially when the church moved from their old building into their present-day location. She carefully observed the construction of the new building and documented it progress through photography. Olivia would always give to the church and took pride in ensuring she purchased flowers to brighten it up for all the holidays. Olivia had the heart of a servant and often volunteered to assist wherever else she could in the church.

Olivia was very involved in the community of Danville. She was a Past Matron of Golden Rod Chapter #55, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation. She also served as the president of the Daughters of Elks Vermilion Temple #601, President of the Bradley-Mayberry American Legion Auxiliary #736. Olivia volunteered yearly as an election judge working from the time the polls opened until they closed. She was also a founding member of the Progressive Chapter of Blacks in Government in Danville, Illinois. She was also a member of the Laissez Faire club and the Tuxedo Club.

Oliva had a passion for both cooking and baking. She would often make delicious cakes, chess pies, homemade fudge, cookies and other desserts for her family and church members. Olivia had the gift of hospitality, often opening her home on holidays and other special occasions for family and friends. She made all feel welcomed, especially her grandchildren.

To know Mrs. Olivia Tinsley-Lillard is to know she had a flair for fashion, especially her bold and beautiful hats. She was known to be one the best dressed ladies around and carried herself with dignity, poise and grace at all times and she loved the color royal blue!

Olivia was truly a Proverbs 31 woman, and her children arise and call her blessed. She is affectionately known as Mommy, Mom, Mama, Beans, and Grandma Olivia by many. She raised 9 children and has 29 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, 53 great-great grandchildren.

Oliva was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters Cecilia Marie Groves and Phyliss Tinsley- Coleman, two brothers Alfred I "Batman" Williams and Joseph Williams, and one grandson Demetrious Deon Groves Sr.

Olivia leaves to cherish her memory her youngest brother, Robert T. "Bam" (Wilma) Williams of Danville, Illinois, her daughters Cynthia (the late Norman) Grant Jr., Lela D. Tinsley, and Crystal R. Tinsley-Giboney all of Danville, Illinois, Angelean (George) Foster of Indianapolis, Indiana, Keith E.(Janetta) Groves Sr., and Scott E. Tinsley both of Danville, David A. Groves Sr. of Fishers, Indiana, and Rick L. Groves of Columbia, South Carolina, her grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and two very special friends Mary Hill and Edna Cross (her birthday twin) and special daughter in love Ebonie Parker.

Services for Mrs. Olivia Tinsley-Lillard will commence at 12:00 Noon Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at New Life Church of Faith, 1419 N. Bowman Ave. Danville, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11 am to until the time of the service. Eulogist: Pastor Reginald Buckley. Interment will be at Danville National Cemetery.