Lillian Anne Bullock (formerly Bigelow) was born in Yanceyville, NC on April 7, 1940. She was the youngest of 6 siblings born to Ulysses G. Bigelow Jr. and Mallie E. Poole Bigelow, all raised on the farm in Yanceyville, NC. Shortly after graduating high school, Lillian moved to Mount Vernon, NY where she lived until her retirement in 2000. Lillian moved back down south to Stone Mountain, GA upon retirement, where she lived until she departed this life to be with the Lord.
Lillian gave her life to Christ while she was in middle school. She was an active member of the Graves Chapel Baptist Church in Yanceyville, NC where she served as a choir member and youth leader. Upon moving north to Mt. Vernon, NY, Lillian joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she was the first female trustee Chairperson on the executive team. In addition to using her God given gift of song in the church choir, Lillian was also an active leader in church affairs, assisting with the building fund, fundraisers, outreach and evangelism efforts.
Never one to sit on the sideline, Lillian represented her community as a civil and social leader. Specifically, she was the President and a charter member of the “Just Us” civic organization in Mt. Vernon, NY, where the mission was to give back to the community through mentorship and training for at risk youth. During the holiday season, the organization donated Christmas gifts to hospital bound children. Additionally, as a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, she always lent her time, money and resources to community events such as charitable fundraisers (they still talk about her legendary potato salad), marathons, clothing drives, back to school efforts, cotillions, evangelism and so much more.
Lillian worked diligently for 27 years, and despite the challenges, she carved a lane in the United States Postal Service by breaking the glass ceiling for African Americans and women. She began her management career as the Tour Supervisor in Mt. Vernon, NY. She continued to matriculate through management, and went to Elmsford, NY as the Postal Plant Manager. By focusing on the customer experience and valuing employees, Lillian continued to climb the management ladder when she was promoted to Acting Postmaster in Hartsdale, NY. Lillian concluded her career as the Section Center Manager in Harrison, NY, presiding over several counties and states; She was the first African American to rise to that level. During her time with the Post Office, Lillian was the recipient of several performance and productivity awards and was selected for the prestigious NY Metro Area Leadership Development Program.
Not one to sit around and age, Lillian made the most of her post retirement life. Her civic duty and dedication to Christ’s teachings never waned. Lillian was a regular volunteer with My Sister’s House, where she donated her skills as a volunteer cosmetologist. She was happy to be doing something she loved for the underserved homeless community by styling and cutting hair for women and children. Additionally, Lillian was an avid quilt maker, often spending time at the Lou Walker Senior Center, learning and perfecting the practice. Eventually, she assisted other retirees with the art form. She was also the charter member and “mother” of the Community Christian Church in Decatur, GA. She loved her pastor and always enjoyed the fellowship. Hailing back to her farming roots she learned in Yanceyville, NC, Lillian loved to work in her garden where she grew seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs year-round. Lillian also loved spending time with her great grandchildren, often making new quilts and ensuring they had the freshest tomatoes, green peppers and peaches. Lillian enjoyed local and international travel and made several trips to the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean. She also loved rooting for (and criticizing) her favorite teams, the New York Yankees and the New York Knicks. She later adopted the Atlanta Falcons as the home team.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories and to carry on her legacy: her children Elaine E. Press of Stone Mountain, GA, Henri V. Bullock IV of Thiells, NY, and daughter-in-love Sandra Bullock of Thiells, NY; One sister-in-love, Mattie Bigelow (Graves); Her three grandchildren, Jason Press of Atlanta, GA, Jessica M. Bullock and Henri V. Bullock V both of Thiells, NY; Great grandmother to Caleb M. Press, Crista Mallie Press and Cason M. Press, all of Atlanta, GA.; 6 siblings preceded her in death, Charlie S. Blackwell, Sr., James Edward Bigelow, Troy Lee Bigelow, Ruby Elizabeth Love, Arthur Junior Bigelow, and Claude Douglas Bigelow. She is beloved by all her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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