Beloved wife of James Smalley for 63 years; loving mother of Edwin (Elizabeth) Smalley; caring grandmother of Addison James, Emily, and Sarah Smalley; and dear aunt to many nieces and nephews. Lillie was predeceased by her parents Reed and Ruth (Vance) Ledbetter; and siblings William and John Ledbetter, Nanny Bakey, and Ruth Ann Coker.
Lillie was born in Waynesville, North Carolina on September 30, 1931. She married James Smalley on August 5, 1955 in Virginia. She and James raised their family in Rochester where Lillie and James were principals of Smalley Realty for many years. Lillie served as past president of the Rochester Board of Realtors; as an officer of the chamber of commerce; as past president of the Business Women’s Club; on the Charity Board at Crittenton Hospital; and with other charities and boards too numerous to mention. She and James were past Grand Marshalls of the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade.
Lillie loved to be involved in the lives of her community and family. She was a long time member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Lillie was also a voracious reader.
Lillie’s family will receive all for a visitation on Friday, November 16, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester and on Saturday, November 17, 2018, from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, located at 620 Romeo St., Rochester, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lillie’s honor to the Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.
