Lillian (Hooks) Howard was born the fourth of nine children to C.D. Hooks and Mary L. (Combs) Hooks on November 10, 1929. Both parents, a brother (Leroy), and a sister (Louise) predeceased Lillian.

Lillian was born in Lovejoy, Illinois and began her early education there. She finished her education in East St. Louis and entered the nursing profession. Lillian enjoyed her nursing career for many years serving others at St. Mary's Hospital.

Lillian married the love of her life, Robert Howard. To this union was born a beautiful baby girl affectionately called Lili. Lili stood for Little Lillian. Both Robert and Little Lillian predeceased Lillian.

Lillian was a talented artist. She often entertained family and friends with her comic strips. Lillian would sketch pictures and create story lines that were absolutely fascinating.

Lillian loved cats. She had a large golden tom cat named Toby and a smaller mostly black and gold cat named Samantha. Toby eventually left home. Samantha stayed all her life. She loved Lillian and the feeling was mutual.

Lillian loved her family and was loved in return.

Lillian believed in God.

Lillian leaves to cherish her memory: SISTERS (4): Thelma McKeever of Chicago, IL; Christine Hooks of East St.  Louis, IL; Catherine Hooks and Bernice Hooks of Chicago, IL.  BROTHERS: Curtis Hooks of St. Louis, MO and James (Rachel) Hooks of Oxnard, CA.  NIECES (2): Dr. Bernadine (Michael) Chapman of Fairview Heights, IL and  Maqueda (Robert) Linn of  Simi Valley, CA. NEPHEWS (5): Dr. Rodney (Jewel) McKeever of Redlands, CA; Dean Hooks of Belleville, IL; James Robert (Angela) Hooks of San Francisco, CA; Dasani Greenwood and Dajon Greenwood of Chicago, IL. GREAT NEPHEWS: Jonathan McKeever of Redlands, CA, and Joshua McKeever of Chicago, IL and other relatives and friends.