On November 2, 1929, Zeno and Lizzie Darden gave birth to their first of seven children, their daughter Lillie Mae Darden in Meridian, Mississippi. As a child growing up, she worked on a farm picking cotton. Lillie attended school in Meridian, where she completed the eighth grade. In 1947, when she was young, her mother, Lizzie Darden, became ill and passed away. Since Lillie was the oldest, she helped raise her siblings. At the age of 18, she met her husband, Lester Spears. Soon after, he asked Zeno for permission to marry his daughter, which they did on December 6, 1947. In 1950, Lester was drafted into the army, serving in the Korean War. In 1956, they moved to the Bronx, New York. After being there a short time, they moved to East Harlem with their one-year-old daughter, Barbara. Two years later, they gave birth to their first son, Lester Spears III. Two weeks after his birth, he became ill and passed away. In 1962, they gave birth to their second son Robert Spears. During these years, Lillie worked as a housewife raising her children. In 1965, Lillie became a member of the Highway Church of Christ under the leadership of Bishop Liston Page Sr. She served as the president of the usher board and worked in the nursery for many years. In 1971, Lillie became a foster parent. She did this for years raising many children of all races and nationalities. In 1979, she adopted Pierre Christopher Spears at two weeks old. She raised Pierre until his sudden death in 2008. In 1988, Lillie was recognized by the late Governor of New York, Mario M. Cuomo, for her contributions as a foster parent. In addition, she received several other awards and certificates. Lillie not only offered safety and comfort to all the children that were in her care. She also offered them hope, which was evident years later as many remained in contact, sharing how much she meant to them by visiting and sending her birthday and holiday cards annually. Lillie leaves to mourn her beautiful children, Barbara Spears, Lester Spears II (preceded in death), Robert Spears, and Pierre Spears (preceded in death). Grandchildren, Tyrone Jenkins (Candi Griffin-Jenkins), Tyisha Jenkins, Leeairra, and Sierra Spears. Great-grandchildren, Junile Jenkins, and Jordan Smythe. Her sisters Mary Lee Jones (Tee Jones), Elizabeth Temple (Frank Temple), and Joanne Temple (Nathaniel Temple). Her brothers, who are all preceded in death, Sonny Darden (sister-in-law), Zeno Darden Jr. (sister-in-law), and RC Darden. As well as sister-in-laws, Rachel Spears, Bonnie Spears, Bonnie McClain and a whole host of other relatives & good friends. "Now that I've come to the end of my Journey, I'm going to put on my robe and tell my story how I've made it over." I'm at rest now.