Lillian Ballard Gooden Thomas

Lillian, 85, was the eighth of nine children born to James Gordon Ballard and Lula Holly Ballard of Newbern, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Richard Gooden, husband Edward (Papa Tom) Thomas, both parents, three sisters and four brothers. She is survived by her 99 ½ year old sister Willie James Ballard Hunter of Detroit and daughter-in-law Carolyn Maxwell Gooden of Kansas City, Missouri. Known by her family as Mama Lil, she is also survived by granddaughter Torian Gooden Colon, son-in-law Harry, great-granddaughters Hayli and Havyn Colon of Houston, Texas, granddaughter Toya Gooden of Kansas City, Kansas and stepdaughter Sandra Wright, children Ronald Thomas and Zepel Otey of Chicago, Illinois. After Lillian married, her family moved to Flint, Michigan, then to Chicago where she lived for 48 years. She was widely-known for her cooking skills among family, friends and coworkers. She and her husband belonged to several social clubs and loved to play cards and travel. The last ten years of her life she lived in Kansas City after suffering a massive, debilitating stroke. She resided at Waterford South and became the resident Queen Bee, loved by and loving both residents and staff. Her strong spirit was well known by all. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by memorial service Saturday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road. (I-435 at Holmes). The family appreciates your prayers. Memorial contributions may be made to Richard Gooden Memorial Scholarship, 10500 East 60th Terrace, Raytown, Missouri, 64133. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.