Lillie Hollinshed

My name is Lillie Hollinshed. I was born in Drew, Mississippi (Sunflower County) on April 26th,1944. I was the only daughter born to sharecroppers Mason and Lillie McBride. During my time in Mississippi, I was raised on Bobo land, previously known as “The Bobo Plantation”, located right outside of Clarksdale Mississippi.  

I was one of four children; Earl McBride, Mace “June” McBride (Ruby) who both proceeded me in death and William McBride (Ella). I was the queen amongst three kings.

Although I did not have a biological sister, I was blessed with Susie Walker. Our sisterhood spanned 70+ years.

My family and I attended Mount Moriah Church in Clarksdale, MS. This is where I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. 

At the age of 15, my family relocated to Kansas City, MO. I enrolled in Central High School, where I begin to meet people who would become life-long friends. 

At a young age, I sparked an interest in gardening and cooking. Watching my mother, I learned to express love by feeding and caring for others. 

I mothered four children, Lenton Bailey, Jr. (Brenda),Gwen Bailey-Wilson (Dewayne) Lacy Eldridge (Zsa), and  Merry Eldridge. God also blessed me with a God Daughter, Danielle Scaife. In my children, I instilled the love of God, strength and respect. As a family we learned to love, honor and lend a helping hand. 

I landed my first job as a domestic worker, with J. West Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Oil Company. Later working at Truman Medical Center and Halls. At Halls I was a part of the catering team. I retired from Halls Crown Center, after which, I continued to feed others through catering and special events.

I loved to entertain. Bid whist, spades and dominos where the games I enjoyed playing the most. Good music was another love of mine. Some of my favorite artist include Al Green and B.B. King.

One of my proudest moments was helping to form the “Williams Family Reunion”. I will miss the annual gathering, with my family and friends. What fun we’ve had! 

Over the course of my life, my faith in God grew stronger. I was a member of Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church, where I served as a Church Mother, a member of the Senior Usher Board, leader of the Youth Ushers, a member of the Kitchen Ministry and the Missionary Society.

My four children rewarded me with 14 grandchildren,  a multitude of great and great-great grandchildren. I was also blessed with a host of nieces and nephews. 

Later in my life, I married Alonzo Hollinshed. Through  marriage I gained 6 bonus children Rodney, Gwen, Anthony(Cynthia) and Stephanie, Andrea, Derrick  and many more grandchildren.  

 It is with a deep sigh, that I leave you for now. I am not gone, nor am I far away. Every time you recall my life with you, or remember something we shared together, I will be there. Be comforted. We will see each other again.

I promise! Love you all

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