Lillie Retha Relaford was born June 18, 1927 in Clay County, Kentucky to William Riley Hix and Martha Lillie Summers Hix and was the youngest of 13 children. She married James A. Relaford on July 2, 1952 in Jellico, Tennessee. Retha was a very loving and devoted wife and mother who loved flowers and gardening. Her quiet, sweet spirit was loved by all who knew her. Her faith was an important part of her life as she attended Lincoln Park Pentecostal Holiness Church, First Assembly of God in Dearborn Heights and Northville Christian Assembly.
Retha was preceded in death by her parents and her 12 brothers and sisters and her husband James whom passed away in 2017. She is survived by her daughter Debra S. Wheeler (Larry Wheeler) and a host of nieces and nephews in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, California, Florida and Maine. She was loved dearly by all of her church family, friends and care givers.
Visitation Friday July 12, 2019 from 3:00 until 8:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 37000 Six Mile Rd. in Livonia. Funeral service will be Saturday July 13, 2019. In state at 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at Northville Christian Assembly 41355 Six Mile Rd. in Northville. Pastor Brooks McElhenny will be officiating.
Retha will be laid to rest at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock. Memorial contributions appreciated to Northville Christian Assembly for Missions.
