Lillie Mae Hadley

Missionary Lillie Mae Hadley, a radiant beacon of love and faith, was peacefully called home on February 20, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her cherished family. Born on March 7, 1942, in Eastman, Georgia, she was the beloved daughter of the late Robert Sr. and Annie Mae Bray. Her journey through life was marked by unwavering faith, profound love for her family, and a steadfast commitment to her community. Lillie Mae shared over 65 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Leroy Hadley, a union rooted in love, partnership, and joy. Together, they raised two sons, Willie, who survives her, and Jerome, who preceded her in death. Her dedication to her family was paralleled by her professional acumen as she served as Chief Financial Officer of Hadley’s Landscaping, a role in which her diligence and integrity shone brightly. As a proud graduate of Melbourne High School, Lillie Mae's early love for basketball at Stone High School highlighted her determination and team spirit, qualities that would define her life’s work. Beyond the workplace, she was a cherished homemaker in Indian Harbour Beach, creating a home filled with warmth, love, and order. A devoted servant of the Lord, Lillie Mae became a faithful member of the First Church of God in Christ at the tender age of 17. Her dedication to her faith was recognized through her service as District Chairwoman and more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Community Missionary Union, earning her the Women of the Year Award in 1992. Her role as a respected missionary allowed her to touch countless lives with her compassion, wisdom, and kindness. Lillie Mae found joy in southern culinary cuisine, and her kitchen was a sanctuary of comfort and fellowship, where love was shared through every meal. Her hands, instruments of love and creativity, crafted meals that nourished both body and soul, creating lasting memories for all who gathered at her table. Her legacy of faith and love lives on through her surviving family: her husband, Leroy Hadley; her son, Willie (Nalani); her grandchildren, Jessica, Kenida (Dustin), Willie Jr., and Travis; her great-grandchildren, Kendel, Keanu, Nahliyah, Devonte, Deangelo, Destiny, and Desiray; and her great-great-grandson, De’Zaylon. Lillie Mae is also survived by her brothers, Robert Jr. (Gloria) and John Lee; her sisters, Bertha, Eldora, and Jeanette (Gary). She is preceded in death by her parents, her son Jerome, her brothers Andrew, James, Thomas, and Eddie, her brother-in-law Elder Staley, her sisters Julia, Lillie Rose, Gladys, and Sherlene, and her goddaughter Ebony. A special thank you is extended to her devoted daughter-in-love and caregiver, along with her assistant Mija, for their loving dedication. The family of Missionary Lillie Mae Hadley sincerely thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, visits, calls, cards, flowers, food, and many acts of kindness have brought great comfort and strength. We humbly ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers as we navigate this profound loss. A celebration of Lillie Mae's life will be held on March 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Greater Faith Temple Church, located at 2701 Leonard Weaver Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901. Although Missionary Lillie Mae Hadley has transitioned from this earthly life, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of faith, love, and dedicated service remains a lasting testament to a life beautifully lived.