Lillie Hamberlin

A Reflective Glimpse of Life' Record of Blessings

We have come together today at the call of death; an event that is constantly occurring around us. The fields that were green a few days ago are now brown. Often he sends no summons before him, but floats unseen on the breeze.

With hushed footsteps the death angel called Sis. Lillie M. Hamberlin on October 21, 2018, at home with her family.

On September 16, 1932 in Rockford, IL a daughter was born to the late Thomas Hayes and Annie (Toyann) Bowie.

Lillie confessed a belief in Christ at an early age and united with Pilgrim Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Pastor E.H.E. Gilbert. She served in various leadership capacities.

She entered into holy matrimony with Horace Hamberlin, who predeceased her in death in 1970. During the remainder of her life she spent time focusing on the growth and development of her daughter (A'Dgereanna) with lifelong soulmate William “Bill” for 48 years.

Lillie attended Rockford Public Schools, and after several places of employment (e.g Ed Thorn Hardware, National Lock, Admiral TV, Warner Lambert), later she decided to pursue her dream as a seamstress and creating her own fashions and presenting them in fashion shows.  Her love of children was a deciding factor in her pursuit of further education. Lillie received her Associate Degree from Rock Valley College in 1987 and Bachelor of Science degree from Rockford University in 1990 specializing in Child Development and Education. Lillie was her happiest when finding a place for those little ones to be in a happy home during her tenure with One Church One Child and IL Department of Children and Family Services and Rockford Homestead. She didn’t stop there she also ensured that every child had a gift during the Christmas holidays. Also, Lillie spearheaded the annual Foster Care /Adoption Walk. Lillie was known as the number 1 recruiter for Foster Homes/ Adoption Homes. As a result of these works, she was recognized as a finalist in the 2008 Rockford Woman of the Year Selection process.

Lillie was multi-faceted woman who was friendly, fashionable, and extremely generous/kind-hearted; always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was a woman of many words, who said a lot when she entered into a room (turning heads with her sophisticated style and poise). Her loyalty to family and friends was unmeasurable (which she often displayed through her love of cooking) and to know her was to love her. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sisters: Pearline Lee, Margaret Hardnett, Brothers: Thomas Williams, Frank Williams , Eugene Hayes, Leonard Betts, daughter Beverly Tucker, and step children: Jessie B Hamberlin and Charles Hamberlin as well as two nephews and one niece.

She leave to cherish her loving memories her soul mate William (Bill) Stoudermire Jr.; daughter A'Dgereanna (Robert) Armor, grandson Robert Armor and son Rodney (Simone) Cameron, Special firstborn nephew/brother Robert (Lou) Dixon and son in law Donnie Tucker. Special nieces Toyann(Maurice) Thompson and Lori Flemming (Kenneth Gould).  

Special Grandchildren: Andrea Hamberlin (Bill Brochocki), Allegra Hamberlin, CastadaroHamberlin, Sonya Ford, A’Donnacia (Steve) Johnson, Hope Tucker, Mario Tucker, DaniquaTucker, and Elijah Cameron.                    

Additionally Special friends of 45 plus  yearsTony/Norma Cameron, Oliver/Caretha Collins and Bertha Davis/Charles Wooding and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family, friends and acquaintances.

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