On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Nancy "Irene" Lilley (nee Whitted), loving wife and mother of three children passed away peacefully at the age of 89.
Nancy was born on October 24, 1932 in Sevierville, TN to Perry Oscar and Loma (Justus) Whitted. She was known as Irene to her friends and family, and in November of 1952 moved north to Cleveland, OH with her brother Dwayne. They lived briefly with their brother Paul (Dorothy), both deceased. Dwayne and Irene found employment at Thompson Products in January 1953, where she met her husband, James E. Lilley, Sr. (deceased), and they were married July 31, 1954. Irene leaves behind three children; Dan (Terry) of Albuquerque, NM, James, Jr. (Dawn) of Roanoke, AL, and Betty of Burton, OH.
Irene raised her children while working in various factories, and volunteering at church. In later years, she was the accountant for St. Catherine's Church and a STNA at Walton Manor for many years before retiring. After retiring, she spent almost twenty years volunteering at Jennings Center for Older Adults where she helped the residents get to Mass and the beauty shop. She was dedicated to bringing smiles to their faces, and was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2006 for her work there. She also spent much time delivering meals on wheels to provide food, companionship, and a smile to those in need. When she wasn't helping others, Irene enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren; Amanda (Andrew) Dyson, Kevin James (Taylor) Pye, and Myles (Amber) Lilley. Irene was an avid gardener who also loved to crochet and do puzzles, and could often be found at Mass.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers James "Red" (Fern), Gene (Marlene), Rex (Delores), Homer, Wilbur, and Sammie Dean Whitted. She leaves behind her brothers Dwayne (Ethel), Ben (Carlena- deceased), and Tom (Nadine) Whitted.
She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren Baylee, Caleb Oliver, and August Lilley, four step-grandchildren Loren, Tyrah, Ian Smith and Rachel Purcell, and three step-great grandchildren Dylan Lilley, Aiden Crawford, and Tamsin Purcell, and too numerous to list nieces and nephews.
Irene was soft-spoken with a quick wit, and kind to everyone she met. She will be dearly missed, but left this world a nicer place than she found it. We are thankful she is at peace and in no further pain, until we meet again.
Family and friends are asked to meet at St Monica Church, 13623 Rockside Rd., Garfield Hts., OH 44125, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. VISITATION AT CHURCH ONE HOUR PRIOR TO MASS. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Nancy Irene (Whitted) Lilley, please visit our floral store.