Lillie B. Huggins

LILLIE BELLE WOODARD was born on February 20, 1921 to the late Willie and Patsy Richardson Woodard in Winnsboro South Carolina. She was the sixth oldest of 14 children and the last to transition she was affectionately known as mom, Nana and aunt Lillie, Miss Lillie and Mrs. Chippie. Lillie Belle received her education in South Carolina Public Schools.  

Lillie Belle accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in South Carolina. She said that they had to serve the Lord in her parents household.

Lillie Belle moved to Baltimore Maryland, where she met, and married the love of her life, Chappelle, known as Chippie Huggins, "Honey Hush" on April 11, 1956. They were blessed with the love of one son Dennis Chappelle Huggins both preceded her in death Chippie in 1992 and Dennis in 1998.

Lillie Belle was truly a God-fearing woman who love the lord and followed and salt his guidance, she attended Waters AME Church under the leadership of several Pastors; Rev., Harvey Walden, Reverend Melvin, Chester Swan River, John W. Duckett and Pastor Charles A. Baugh. She was very active on many committees. She was the Financial Secretary for the Pastors Aide, Merry Makers (Senior-Citizens), The Lay Organization, Paul Chester Outreach Ministry, the Soup Kitchen, the Carolinians and the Bereavement Committee. She served and was very loyal and faithful to each ministry.

Lillie Belle was definitely a Master Chey. She retired from Waters Day Care as Head Chef. She made the worlds best homemade pound cakes up past age 100 years without missing any ingredients.

She moved into a senior apartment and didn't like using an electric stove because she was used to her gas stove. She stated that they don't cook the same way, but we couldn't tell any difference in the taste but she knew something was different. Whenever she hosted the Pastors Aide meetings at her home on Holbrook Street, she made a feast with varieties of foods. Janice, her Goddaughter said that her macaroni and cheese along with the pan chicken was to die for. Kenisha said "I can't think of anything that my grandmother made that wasn't good. Her crab imperial ws fantastic because she only use lump crab meat, cornish hens and her collar greens with smoked turkey meat. She only use certain ingredients and brands with her cooking and didn't have to measure."

We truly believe that she retired to take care of her God-given gift granddaughter, Kenisha. When Kenisha was born. Grandmom Lillie and Papa Chippie along with Cheryl's parents, were at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, awaiting their angel from God (Dennis was away in the Marine Corps). Kenisha was truly the apple of her eyes. She truly loved Kenisha unconditionally. She didn't want anyone else to keep Kenisha but herself.

Lillie Belle could've been in a fashion magazine with her dressing and stylish appearance. She look like a millionaire when she dressed, even past 100 years old. She still wore her suits, heels and hats, all matching to a T. She even had her stylish fur coats. She wore her wigs, but "BLONDE" was her favorite color. Miss Blondie (smile).

 Her appetite never left her. She ate all of her food at all times unless it didn't have a taste to it. She always had an excellent appetite. Her favorite candy was tootsie rolls. She just didn't put one in her mouth but 2 to 3 at a time and ask for more. Cheryl used to buy them from Walmart with 400 pieces in the bag.

Lillie Belle had a heart of gold and was willing to help anyone. She always gave donations to multiple organizations and charities. The poundcake that was mentioned earlier she would make multiple ones and gave them to her nieces, nephews family, members and friends without any cost. She was truly a giver.    

Lillie Belle was a great encourager and found good in people who others lost hope and a good listener, who shared wise and excellent advice to family, friends and others.

In July 2017 Lillie Belle moved from her home at 1409 Holbrook St. To the Basilica Senior Building because she was unable to climb steps in her house any longer.

From July 2017 to December 2022 she was still living on her own. At age 101 years old she moved into The Stadium Place where the Staff loved her and affectionately called her Mom and Grandmom. She was that to so many people.

Lillie Belle was 102 years old when she wouldn't listen to no one but Cheryl. Kenisha would have to call Cheryl when Lillie Belle wouldn't follow directions or instructions. Cheryl was truly her devoted caretaker. 

Lillie Belle still called on the name of Jesus, said her Grace over her food and said her prayers every night. Cheryl would take her communion cup around and she was still taking her communion without and hesitation.

Recently Kenisha said Mom I want you to live until you turn 103. Kenisha said Lillie Belle said I don't want to live until 103.

Jesus heard her wish and granted it in the wee hours of July 9, 2023 at 4:26am at Union Memorial Hospital. Jesus called his daughter to her Heavenly Home.

Her nurse Ashley said that the cardiac monitor had  flat lined and then Lillie Belle responded back, lifted up, both her arms in the air and moved one at a time, as if she was walking upwards and then both came down beside her and she transitioned.

Lillie Belle's spirit was going home to be with the Lord. Hallelujah thank you Jesus.

Lillie Belle leaves to cherish her memories; Kenisha Denise her granddaughter, Janice Ford, goddaughter, Cheryl Blue-Samuel faithful caretaker; nieces, Pat Burgess, Deborah Yancey; nephew, Rory Wise (Chevelle) for their dedication and support and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. 

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