Lillian Gradison

LILLIAN OPHELIA GRADISON, the oldest of twelve children was born on the 17th day of August in the year 1937 to John and Ethel Hamlett in Halifax County, Virginia. Lillian fought a good fight but in the 7th hour of the 17th day of July 2024 God whispered to her and the heavenly gates opened to welcome her home.

Lillian received her education in the Halifax County Public School System. Lillian accepted Christ at  an early age and was baptized at New Ephesus Baptist Church in Semora, North Carolina.

Lillian married Roosevelt DeShazo; one beautiful child Kay DeShazo was born out of this union.

Lillian later moved to Baltimore, Maryland where her life began to flourish. She married the love of her life, Coy Gradison, in 1976 Mama was by Kay's side to help deliver her granddaughter, Lyclia Bell. She affectionately called her bundle of Joy Kia or Keedie. Mama instilled in "her Kia" the importance of knowing Christ.

Lillian worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital for twenty-five years. She retired early to care for her husband. Mama didn't miss a beat; while caring for her husband she was also taking care of her grandchild.

Seeking a closer relationship with the Lord.  Lillian joined First Apostolic Faith Church in 1972 under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Winfield A. Showell where she was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. She served faithfully for many years attending Sunday School, Bible classes and singing on the Women's Inspirational Choir and The Temple Choir. Mother Lillian wholeheartedly served First Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Bishop Cornelius Showell where she remained faithful every Sunday. When she wasn't singing you could always find her on the fourth pew of the left side of the church praising God. She served faithfully until health challenges made it difficult, but she was determined to praise her God. She stared watching service on YouTube until she couldn't watch it anymore.

Lillian was also a servant and a pillar in her neighborhood and for that her community reciprocated. She will be greatly missed.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents John and Ethel Hamlett, her husband Coy Gradison, her daughter Kay Deshazo, six brothers, James, Harry, Willie, Leon. Mack Jr. and John Hamlett; two sisters, Dorothy Faulkner and Katie Hamlett.

Lillian leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted and loving granddaughter, Lyclia "Kia" Bell, two great grandsons, Qu'ran and Quan Smithson, one precious great granddaughter, Ericka Williams;  three great great grandchildren, Haven and King Smithson and one on the way, Azrael Smithson. Also to cherish her memories are her three sisters; Shirley Wade, Thelma Lipscomb and Sarah Hamlett and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and her adopted family that she thought so highly of; Dora White, LaTasha Bradshaw, "aka Sugarfoot", Terrence Bradshaw, Donte Wood and their children and grandchildren. Her community family, church family and friends will also remember her forever.