On October 3, 2018, Lillian "Lillie" Alice Ervin Walker Rodgers passed away at home in Houston, Texas. Lillian Alice was born August 2, 1936 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Alice Mae and George Ervin.
Lillian was educated in the Benton Harbor public school system and was a member of the Union Memorial AME church. At the age of 17, Lillian married Willie Cleveland Walker and relocated to central Florida with him. After returning to Benton Harbor, Lillian worked at Mercy Hospital, several factories and the Benton Harbor School District. Lillian enjoyed gardening, sewing and reading. She was also fond of western movies and television shows with John Wayne being her favorite actor. Lillian later married Calvin Rodgers and they relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where she lived for over thirty years.
Upon first settling in Arizona, Lillian lovingly provided child care to several grandchildren before finding employment with the Tucson Unified School District and the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles. Lillian loved her jobs and was a hard working, devoted and loyal employee. She made many friends through her employment. She often baked and arranged many potlucks for her co-workers/friends to gather and share good times. After retiring from the State of Arizona, she devoted her life to her great-grandchildren. Lillian loved bowling with her friends, an activity also she shared with her great-grandsons, Tyrell and Toukam. Lillian continued to bake and for many years she lovingly baked bread for visitors of the Sharon SDA Church where she was a member. In 2006, Lillian relocated to Houston, Texas with her daughter, Drusilla Freeman. Lillian loved spending family time with her family, playing games, etc. and she always found a way to make them smile. She continued to enjoy her love of reading up until her final months.
Lillian leaves to mourn sisters Ida Isabelle Yarborough, Lola May Rockette, Aldene Phyllis Gray and Janice Marie BeLue; children Winfred Charles Walker, Willie Carl (Vicki) Walker, Cheryl Francine Dean, Drusilla Eunice Freeman, Marcia Annette (Charles) Alford, Kenny Jerry Ervin and Dennis Christian Walker; step-daughters Carolyn (Ted) Stovall, Michelle Davis, Rita Kittrell and Dawn (Charles) Davis as well as a host of grand and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.
Lillian was preceded in rest by her parents, siblings Marjorie Hickman, Edra Mae White, Earlola Georgia Richmond, Ellen Irene Ervin, George Ervin Jr. and sons Allen Walker and Omar Thornton Walker.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Good Old Days Adult Day Care Center for their special care of Lillian in her final years.
Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Lillian on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, Texas. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, Texas. Immediately following the service, Lillian will be laid to rest at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, Texas.
Honorary Pallbearers: Willie Walker, Charles Alford, Kenny Ervin, Treslyan Walker, Matthew Walker, Charles Walker, Kevin Ervin, Tyrell Ford and Toukam Kayo.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CalvaryHillFuneralHome.com for the Rodgers family.
