Obituary of Mary Louise Lilly

Mary Louise (Marylou) Lilly, 90, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on April 20, 2017. Marylou succumbed to aggressive breast cancer and passed at her home with family, friends and wonderful care givers near her side. Marylou was born Dec. 9, 1926 in Camp Creek, WV, a daughter of the late Virgil and Eva Lilly. Mrs. Lilly graduated from Spanishburg, WV High School (1944). After starting a family, she obtained a BS in Elementary Education from West Virginia University (1964). She was a teacher of 1st through 6th grade in the 1-room Grant School of Monongalia County, WV from 1952 to 1953. Marylou began each day on her knees praying the Lord’s Prayer. She was a faithful longtime member of the First Baptist Church (Morgantown) and devoted many years to the work of the church in varying capacities including the choir. She was a long time member of the Morgantown Service League, working many a day at the Old Stone House. She was an active member of the Mountaineer Woman’s Club, and devoted her time organizing activities to benefit others. She enjoyed bowling and tennis for many years and endlessly canned and cooked enough food over the years to rival the most popular restaurants. As an accomplished seamstress, she kept many outfits on family members and repaired many a worn pair of jeans. She devoted her life toward her family and friends. Our mother was truly the wind beneath all our wings. Marylou was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Russell Lilly, sister, Patricia Farmer and infant son, Allen Lilly. She is survived by her husband of 68 years Burkey Lilly, sons: Keith and wife, Paula, and Warren and wife, Carolyn; daughter, Sarabeth Lilly Blosser and husband, Ron; sisters: Dorthy Jennings, Jessica Skelton and Linda Pyle; grandchildren: Lauren Roney and husband, Brandon, Megan Malott and husband, Sam, Austin Lilly, Kyle Stephens and Kory Stephens; great grandchildren: Faith, Joslin and Rory. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Breast Cancer Foundation (10400 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 480, Columbia, MD 21044 or https://www.abcf.org/donate) or the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (1731 King Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314 or https://donate.nationalhospicefoundation.org/i4a/forms/index.cfm?id=83). Both organizations have been critical to Marylou’s comfort in the final months of her special life. At Marylou’s request, she will be cremated and her remains will be held by the family until joint services can be conducted with the love of her life, Burkey. Online condolences will be accepted at Hastings Funeral Home ( www.hastingsfuneralhome.com ). At a future date, a memorial service will be coordinated at the First Baptist Church of Morgantown. Marylou wants everyone to assess their health situation and choose to maintain the diligence of breast exams and mammograms in later years (even past age 80) to ensure that you have every opportunity to serve others and enjoy family and friends.