Lily Violet Malone

Lily Violet Malone, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2020 and ran into the arms of Jesus. She was born on May 29, 1926 in Dora, AL. She married her one true love, Donald Malone on February 13, 1943 who preceded her in death in 1984.

She was a devoted mother and homemaker who loved her children and grandchildren. She unselfishly opened her home throughout the years to any child in need and would feed them and give them a place to sleep. She was kind and generous, she was a mother to the motherless and loved them as if they were her own. She was a woman of many talents as was shown time again in the quilts she quilted. Consider yourself lucky if you ever received such a treasure from her. She was a wonderful cook and was known for her fried catfish and hushpuppies, and homemade biscuits, to name a few. She took pride in planting her own garden and canning the fruits of her labor. Her hands were rarely still. In life she was in a constant state of motion. She was a whirlwind, never stopping or slowing down.

She loved the Lord and would proudly tell anyone who would listen to her, especially after a hemorrhagic stroke in 2005 when the doctor’s only gave her a 5% chance of survival. Not only did she survive, she lived another 14 years. She would always say “the Lord’s not finished with me yet”. And He wasn’t finished with her as shown in the lives of the people she touched those remaining 14 years. The stroke tried to steal her dignity but she fought with all the grace and poise that she had and refused to let it define her. Hemingway said: “Life breaks everyone, but some people heal stronger in the breaks.” Mom was one of those people that healed stronger in the breaks. Despite great obstacles, she bounced back repeatedly throughout her life.

Lily is survived by her children, son Eugene (Carolyn), daughter Shirley Hirschler (Hartman), son Robert (Jo-Ann), son Larry (Patty), daughter Tula Webster (David), son Randy (Sherry), daughter Tami Byrd (Nathan) and son Max (Leslie). She had 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Mom, you gave so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for loving us, for always being there for us, for teaching us, listening to us, helping us, forgiving us, and always, always paving the way for us. You have taught us how to stand strong and face adversity head on and to never give up and we will work hard and strive to reach the standard you have set.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates”. (Proverbs 31:26)