Alice M. Lilly

Alice M. Lilly, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and great-great-great grandmother passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 1st, 1933, in the quaint town of Many, Louisiana, Alice was the beloved daughter of Bessie Allen Sweet and Bert Sweet. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering faith. Alice grew up alongside her brothers U.J. Sweet, Rudolph Sweet, Baby Ray Sweet, and Berlion Sweet, and her sisters Eula V. Thrower, Willie Mae White, and Mildred D. Pierce. Her upbringing in the Many Public School System laid the foundation for a life devoted to learning, growth, and service to others. On June 28th, 1949, Alice married the love of her life, Glenwood Lilly. Together, they embarked on a journey to Cleveland, Ohio, where they built a beautiful life and family. Their marriage was a joyful union that spanned 52 years, blessed with the birth of 12 wonderful children. Though predeceased by her husband, Alice's legacy lives on through her surviving children: Glenda Lilly Steward (Willie Steward) of Louisiana, Veronica Lilly of Ohio, Linda Maxie (Jacob Maxie) of Louisiana, Juanretha Lilly-Hunter (Tony Hunter) of Ohio, Delois Lilly Newton of Louisiana, Evora Lilly of Ohio, Tammie Cade (Dennis Cade) of Michigan, and Quinten Lilly of Ohio. She was also a beloved grandmother to 25 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great grandchildren each of whom she adored and cherished deeply. Alice's career was marked by dedication and leadership. She served as a supervisor at the Cleveland Consolidated Rail Corporation and later shared her passion for creativity as the director of the arts and crafts department at Longfellow Elementary School. She eventually retired to focus on homemaking, where her nurturing spirit continued to flourish. An active and devoted member of the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years, Alice's faith and service were central to her life. Her role as Assistant Supervisor over the Children Usher Board reflected her commitment to guiding and nurturing young lives. Her kindness, warmth, and generosity were felt by all who knew her, making everyone she met feel special and valued. Alice's hobbies were simple yet profound expressions of her love for life and family. She relished the time spent with both her immediate and church families, took great pride in tending to her garden, and passionately supported her children's sports activities. In honoring her life, a funeral service will be held on August 29th, 2026, at 11:30 AM at the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church located at 14918 Cardinal Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110. The family extends their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and comfort received during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Alice's memory to the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, an institution she held dear throughout her life. Alice M. Lilly's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, faith, and service. Her spirit will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate to know her, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.