Lillie B. Grady

Lillie Grady was the first of nine children born to the union of Rosie and Joseph Smith on January 10, 1936. She attended Linden Elementary School and Central High School.

After graduating high school, she accepted a position as Receptionist to the late Dr. William Smith and was employed there for approximately eight years. Later, she was employed by professional caterers who desired her excellent cooking and decorating skills. She worked with them for approximately 20 years.

In 1959 Lillie married Spencer Grady Sr. To this union, one son, Spencer, Jr., was born. After attending college, their son moved to California. He became gainfully employed and later married. He and his wife (Teresa) were blessed with three beautiful daughters. Lillie and her husband spent the winter months in California until their grandchildren graduated high school. Today, all of the grandchildren have completed college and are employed professionals.

In 1976 Lillie accepted a position with the South Bend School Corporation and was employed there until 1996 when she retired. She was determined to remain active in her retirement years. She was a member of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church for more than 70 years. She was a member of the Nurses Guild, Missionaries, Food Bank Sunday school and co-captain of Team 8 of the March rally of Greater St. John.

Lillie was also a member of The Couples Club, Retired Ladies Club, Household Ruth Number 5577, and District Number 9 Lodge. She served as treasurer for District Number 9 for more than 30 years. Lillie was an avid bowler for more than 60 years, and an avid golfer for more than 40 years. She was recipient of numerous awards from both leagues. Also, she was a founder of the Putt Putters Golf League and was crowned Queen of the Senior Prom at the Robinson Learning Center in 2025.

Lillie and her husband were married 66 years, and in their later years were blessed with two angels (Martha and Wayne Hawkins) who assisted them like they were their children since their son lived in California. They were truly extended family.

Lillie’s parents, husband, Spencer Grady Sr., and three siblings, Alma Turner, Joseph Smith, Jrand Vera Peele all predeceased her.

She leaves to mourn her son, Spencer (Teresa) Grady, Jr., of Corona , California; three grandchildren, Sheila(Alex) Guzman, Samantha Grady and Carlie Grady, all of Corona, California; one great grandchild, Mila Guzman of Corona, California; two sisters, Ruby Larkin and Rosie Banks, both of Chicago, Illinois; three brothers, Charles(Barbara) Smith of Chicago, Illinois, Leroy Smith of Chicago, Illinois, and George (Jean) Smith, sisters-in-law, Doris Grady, Ocala, Florida; Geraldine Grady, Overland Park, Missouri and Mable Grady, South Bend, Indiana, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lillie departed this life on November 27, 2025, after a brief illness at The Holy Cross Rehabilitation Center. Palmer Funeral Chapel – West Chapel, located at 2702 Lincoln Way West, is in charge of the arrangements. Funeral Services will be held Saturday December 13, 2025, at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 101 North Adams Street.

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