Lillie Bea (Givens) Brandon

On June 13, 1936, Freddie Givens, Sr. and Lillie M. Givens welcomed their first born child into their lives in the small southern town of Rome, Mississippi.  She was a beautiful, loving girl whom they named Lillie Beatrice.

Lillie spent the early years of her life in Rome, Mississippi and received her grade school education at Rome Elementary School.  In 1956, she graduated from Drew High School in Drew, Mississippi. It was there that she formed many lasting friendships, as she was always a friendly, popular individual who enjoyed conversing with persons of all walks of life, even throughout her last years of life.

Lillie's Christian life began at an early age when she accepted Christ at New Bethel Baptist Church in Rome, Mississippi.  After moving to Chicago, she began worshiping at Stone Temple Church, but in later years she would unite with Lawndale Community Church in Chicago where she attended for several years.  However, she eventually returned to unite with a church in the community in which she resided for many years, LeClaire M.B. Church under the leadership of Dr. A.R. Boyd.

In 1957, Lillie was united in marriage to John Brandon and remained in that marriage until John's death in 1991.  They were blessed with three children, John Marvin, Alvin DaWayne (who preceded her in death) and Delon.

Lillie's employment history is one of dedication and diligence.  After moving to Chicago upon graduating high school, she began work at Stiner Corporation, an industrial laundry company in Chicago, and it was there she met her future husband, John Brandon.  When her husband, John was promoted to a management position at that firm, Lillie left that job and went to work at LaSalle Hotel, downtown Chicago, until it closed.  She eventually returned to Stiner Corporation until she retired in 1998.

All who have been blessed to know Lillie are aware of her big heart and her great love for family, especially her children and grandchildren.  She lavished them with kindness, affection and many gifts of various natures.

Lillie passed away quietly in her home on Sunday, September 9, 2018.  She is now resting in peace with her parents, Freddie, Sr. and Lillie M. Givens, her son Alvin, grandsons Delon, Jr., and Demarcus, nephew Reginald Givens and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Lillie leaves to honor and cherish her memory two sons, John Marvin Brandon and Delon Brandon (Freda); Three grandchildren, Charlene Brandon (Todd Dennis), Kena Brandon (Daniel Derrick) and Marvin Wright (Jerica Robinson); ten great-grandchildren, Demond Upchurch, Shaniya Lee, Cayden Brandon, Todd Dennis, Jr., Cason Wright, Daniyah Derrick, Destiny Derrick, Daniel Derrick, Jr., Deneil Brandon and Leonarn Fairman; three great-great grandchildren, D'Zaria Brandon, DeMarcus Brandon, Jr., Kathlani Lilliana Upchurch; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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