Funeral Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
Date: 08-10-2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Time: 3:00 PM
Visitation Information
Location:
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories 1520 East Washington Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
Date: 08-10-2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Time: 2:00 PM
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Obituary
Lillie Mae Cole was born on June 27, 1948, to the late Williams and Bessie Degraffenreid in Greene County, Alabama. She accepted Christ at an early age.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, at HSHS St. John Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, Lillie transitioned to be with the Lord at the age of seventy-six.
Lillie was a caring, loving soul. She enjoyed cooking and playing spades with her family. She graduated from Harrison High School in Chicago, Illinois. She worked at Chicago Tribune, until her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bessie Degraffenreid; two sons, Jerome Degraffenreid and Charles Cole; one sister, Emma Lee Degraffenreid; one brother, William Degraffenreid, Jr.; and one aunt who helped to raise her, Emma Jane Craig.
She leaves to cherish her memories: the love of her life, her husband of fifty-six years, Charles “Bimp” Cole of Springfield, IL; one son, Frederick Degraffenreid of Springfield, IL; one daughter, Tasha (JB) Kuykerd, all of Blytheville, AR; five brothers-in-law, Henry, Johnny, Willie, Milton, and Eddie Cole; five sisters-in-law, Lillie Dotson, Annie Levi, Shirley Thorton, Annie Collins, and Mary Cole; sixteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.