Lillie Minor

Lillie Morris Minor was born March 17, 1942, to the late Jesse and Easter Morris in Parkdale, Arkansas. She was the second of six children. Lillie was formally educated in the Little Rock School District; where she was a 1961 graduate of the former Horace Mann (All African-American/segregated) High School. Lillie’s knowledge and admonition of the Lord began in early in life; as she was raised in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (Miles Chapel) in Little Rock. She later put on the Lord in baptism at the Ocean View Church of Christ--now 38th Street in San Diego--where she lived the majority of her life. Lillie was united in marriage to the late Joe Louis Minor in 1966. To that union, four children were born: Reginald, Stephen, Wanda and Rhonda. Lillie’s life was consistently Christ-centered; which was made evident in how she carried herself. She was kind, tenderhearted, stern, compassionate, motherly, always had a melody in her heart, a great example of a virtuous woman, and a blessing to all who came in contact with her. Whether it was the 38th Street church in San Diego, Kennedy Heights church in Cincinnati, or Southside church in Tucson, Lillie always managed to get involved with whatever ministries she could fit into, find her niche and flourish in it. She participated in a number of ladies’ activities such as; Ladies’ Day programs, the Ladies’ Auxiliary for Christian Education-LACE (president), and Mature Women- a mentoring ministry for young women. Other ministry involvement included; singing with the 38th Street Adult and Youth Combined chorus, community service food and giveaway programs, preparing meals for church events, blood pressure monitoring, sewing (quilts, purses) and crafting (beaded art pictures). In addition, Lillie was a devoted wife and mother, as she enjoyed a myriad of things many often take for granted--things such as; traveling, spending time with family, supporting extracurricular activities, preparing meals (daily)-even while holding a regular job; keeping the household functioning and in order; being a nurturer, support and mentor for extended family members; and (best of all) just being “Mamma,” “Ma’ Lil,” “Sister Minor,” ”Lillie,” or simply, “Lil.” The Lord had Lillie covered as she peacefully departed this earthly life on Sunday morning October 22, 2023. Lillie leaves to cherish her memories two sons: Reginald (Dionne) Minor of Tallahassee, FL, and Stephen (Terri Lynnette) Minor of San Diego, CA; two daughters: Wanda (Anderson) Wharton of Sahuarita, AZ, and Rhonda (Jamie) Dawson of Sahuarita, AZ; two brothers: Edward (Norma) Morris of Redmond, WA, and Robert (Linda) Morris of San Diego, CA; two sisters: Jesse Thomas of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Verda (Ray Sr.) Johnson of Vail, AZ; fourteen grandchildren: Naurice, Cameron, Avery, Emaun, Dejah, Chanelle, Naudia, Naylani, Jahme, Jayden, Kelce, Solomon, Kayla and Thelma: Five great grandchildren: JaJuan, Jalea, Jaden, Jordan, and Jaxon; and a host of extended family and friends. Lillie was preceded in death by step-mother, Catherine Morris; brother, Herman Morris; and step-brother, Michael Jones.