Lillie Colbert

Lillie Lee (Sweet) Colbert was born on May 3, 1940, in Geiger, AL, to the late Burley and Sue Pearl Kirkland. Being born the 6th child out of 10, who could ever imagine the legacy she would leave this world.

She began her legacy when she first accepted Christ at an early age. She allowed Christ to lead her to and through different journeys in life, while crowning her at every step. Her first crowning is meeting her loving husband, William Colbert, whom she married on August 11, 1968. They loved and cherished one another until his death. Because of that love, she received her next crowning, by being blessed with 6 amazing children. While she lived in awe as what God had already given her, God crowned her more and more, day by day. God took her on the next journey of leaving her hometown and moving to Chicago. This was no ordinary move, because of this move she received a crown by attending Farragut High School through the Chicago Public School District and went on to dedicate over 40 years of service within Chicago Public Schools before retiring. God continued to crown her and led her to, Sanctuary of Deliverance COGIC, where she was not only a devoted member, but also served on the Mother’s Board for 23 years until God called her home. Lillie not only had crowns as a wife, mother, and hard worker, but she had a crown in the community. She was an esteemed member of the American Legion Post 1268, beginning as an auxiliary member and ultimately rising to national president, a role in which she served with pride for many years. She also shared her love and legacy with her adopted family, the Dynasty and the 15th Street ‘Way-Way’ Family.

God decided to give Lillie her final crown on October 30, 2024. She passes that crown on to her six children: Verna Kay, Bertha, Senell (George), Yolanda, William Sr. (Shirley), and Joy (Terence); two surviving sisters, Margaret and Minnie; The Lillie Gang: 18 grandchildren (including one, Julius, who preceded her in death); 79 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a lifelong friend, Mary Hill; cherished companions, the "Three Amigos" – Cynthia Sanders, Pearl Williams, and Dorthy Smith; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her devoted caretakers, Stephanie, Aljurauvis and Nicky.

Lillie’s legacy of faith, love, and service lives on through all who knew and loved her.

 Psalms 118:24- This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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