Lillian Mildred Queen

September 24, 1931 – July 9, 2026

Lillian Queen was the youngest of 8 children born to Bernice Ashton. A devoted Catholic, loving mother, proud great-great grandmother, accomplished public servant, and faithful servant of God, Lillian lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, humility, and unwavering faith.

Motherhood was her greatest calling. Her devotion to her 10 children earned her recognition as Capitol Hill Mother of the Year.

For more than thirty years, Lillian worked for the Archdiocese of Washington, where she received numerous awards from Bishops and Cardinals. There, she also broke barriers as the first African-American woman to serve as Director of Criminal Justice and Corrections. Throughout her career, she became a respected advocate for prison reform, restorative justice, and rehabilitation. She testified before government officials, advocated for community-based alternatives to incarceration, and worked to establish programs for women returning to society.

Her commitment to justice extended beyond corrections. She played an instrumental role in efforts leading to the installation of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in Lincoln Park, helping preserve the legacy of one of America's most influential educators and civil rights leaders.

Faith was the cornerstone of Lillian’s life. She prayed the Rosary every day, entrusting her family and the world to the Blessed Mother. Even as her health declined, she developed a ritual of getting dressed up with the assistance of her daughter Maria-Lori and attending mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception every Sunday. Pentecost Sunday was her favorite mass to attend because it celebrates the beginning of the Christian mission to spread the gospel globally. She was an active member of the National Council of Catholic Women and dedicated countless hours to serving the Church she loved.

One of the greatest blessings of her faith-filled life came in 1981 when she had the extraordinary privilege of receiving Holy Communion from Pope John Paul II.

Lillian’s love for children extended beyond her own family. She was a devoted supporter of the Youth Scholarship Fund at her daughter Sharon's church. She volunteered to read to the Pre-K children at the school where her daughter Tajuana taught. She also generously donated school supplies and other needed items to support teachers and students, believing that every child deserved to feel valued, and cared for.

Lillian greatest joy, however, was always her family. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate those she loved. She proudly attended Art Exhibits, graduations, school performances, award ceremonies, and any occasion where one of her family members was participating or being recognized. She delighted in telling others about their accomplishments with unmistakable pride. She chaperoned school field trips, always wanting to be present in their lives and support their education.

Throughout the years, she provided financial assistance to help many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren pursue their education, believing that education was one of the greatest gifts a family could provide. She delighted in taking her grandchildren back-to-school shopping each year, and shopping for special occasions.

Her home was a place of refuge. Whenever one of her children or grandchildren needed somewhere to stay—whether for a weekend, the summer, or several years—she welcomed them without hesitation. She offered not only a roof over their heads but stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Family always came first. She quietly provided assistance whenever a financial need arose without question. She made it a point to know the friends of her children and grandchildren as well. Everyone who entered her home was welcomed warmly and treated like family.

Lillian loved creating memories through travel. She treated her children and grandchildren to vacations, making multiple trips to New York City, Atlantic City, and Disney World. She especially loved visiting New York, where Broadway shows became one of her favorite traditions. She believed experiences shared together became treasured family memories. When she traveled to Europe, with her daughter Maria-Lana and family friends, she attended mass given by the Pope at the Vatican.

Family traditions were among her greatest gifts. Her home became the center of celebration every Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July, where generations gathered to enjoy her famous meals and one another's company. Her macaroni and cheese, potato salad, chili, rice pudding, and homemade cookies became legendary family favorites. For Christmas every child in the family eagerly anticipated her carefully prepared gift bags filled with books, toys, candy, Capri Suns, fresh fruit, and countless thoughtful surprises. Even while her daughter Natahnya's family was living in Germany for three years, she lovingly shipped Christmas gifts overseas so they would never miss the joy of Christmas from home.

Those who knew Lillian also remember her grace and elegance. She took pride in her appearance and was rarely seen without her jewelry, makeup, and beautifully coordinated outfits. She believed in presenting herself with dignity while carrying herself with warmth, kindness, and quiet confidence.

On the morning of Thursday, July 9, 2026, Lillian transitioned to her eternal home at the age of 94.

Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Eleman B. Queen and Gerard Queen, as well as her parents and seven siblings.

She leaves to cherish her remarkable legacy her children: Sharon N. Lindsay, Donna Stafford, Tajuana C. Queen, James Queen Jr., Antonio Queen, Natahnya B. Campbell, Maria-Lana Queen, and Maria-Lori Queen.

She was the proud grandmother of Natahnya McKinney, Malora Miah, Youlana Miah, Darryl Miah, Malanka Queen, Eleman Queen Jr., Jameka Queen, Tiara Prioleau, Franchesque Felder, Sean Queen, Jasmine Queen, Antonio Queen Jr., Leandria Campbell, and Larry Campbell Jr.

She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren: Ryon McKinney, Alexis Strong, Monae Duley, Jordon Miah, Leilani Butler, Kejuan Butler, Tarik Queen, Taniah Queen, Yahrie Queen, Leah Belle Baker, Darrius Prioleau, Chrisette Queen, Serenity Queen, Livia Campbell, and Daniel Connor Jr.

Her legacy continues through her cherished great-great-grandchildren, Davon Stroman Jr. and DaViyah Stroman, and countless others who were blessed by her generosity and love. She also leaves behind her dear canine companion Melo, who was a constant source of comfort and affection in her later years.

Lillian often said that family was life's greatest blessing, and she lived those words every day. Her greatest accomplishments were not the titles she earned or the barriers she broke, but the generations she nurtured, encouraged, prayed for, and loved unconditionally.

Though she will be deeply missed, her faith, compassion, generosity, strength, and unwavering devotion to God and family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Her family rejoices in knowing she has heard the words she faithfully lived for:

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 1315 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, US, on July 25, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on July 25, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am.

Committal will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on July 25, 2026, beginning at 12:30 pm.