Lillian Dorothy Williams Walker, wife of the late Shepherd L. Walker and lifelong resident of New Haven, entered into eternal rest Feb. 26 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. She was the daughter of the late Edwin R. Williams and Blanche L. Browne Williams. She was born on February 2, 1911, at her childhood home in New Haven. Lillian graduated from New Haven High School in 1929.
In her 100 years, Lillian was an industrious and hands-on person, whether it was sewing, tending her large garden, caring for pets, nurturing children, scrapbooking, preparing food for family and guests or, in her younger days, working as a domestic and a seamstress.
But it was Lillian’s art and poetry that brought her and the community she lived in the most joy. Her works have been exhibited at the Mary B. Ashford Day Center, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the former Dixwell Community House, National Council of Negro and Professional Women events, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the Ella B. Scantlebury Senior Residence. She was recognized by the National Poets Society and United States presidents alike.
Lillian Walker was widely celebrated, as much for her work as her passion for life. She was classic and timeless. Lillian always told others that the keys to a good life were to be kind. She relished life, and advised everyone to follow suit. When asked how she kept herself up so well, she replied, “I never drank, smoked or did drugs.” When her niece mentioned concerns about all of the commotion upstairs in the middle of the night, Lillian showed off her exercises, including push-ups on the wall. She said, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!”
Lillian, the family historian, matriarch, and “mother” of all children, is survived by her beloved nieces June W. Davis, Dolores Lewis, Donna Williams and Sandra Sims, and nephews Edwin “Perry” Williams, David Williams and Kirby Williams. “Aunt Lily” is also survived by her great, great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. In addition to her parents and her husband of 56 years, she was predeceased by her sister Gladys and brothers George, Hubert, Aubrey and Clarence Williams.
A celebration of Lillian Walker’s life and legacy will be held Saturday, March 5, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 266 Shelton Ave., New Haven. Viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Interment will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Service by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven.
To leave a message of comfort to the Walker family, please visit our website, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.