Minister Lillie M. Waddy, recently retired Pastor of Lily Hill Missionary Baptist Church, departed this life on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Lillie was born in Tallahassee, Mississippi on September 5, 1940. She was the third child and the first daughter of eleven children born to the union of Minister Eddie Jones and Missionary Sara Weekly-Jones. Lillie M. Waddy was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Herman L. Waddy; father, Eddie; her mother, Sara, four brothers: John Mark Jones, Cornelius Jones, John Michael Jones, and Scrivens Jones; two sisters, Eddie Mae Jones and Ollie Jeffries; and one son-in-law, Larry J. Lowery.

Lillie confessed a hope in Christ and was baptized at the early age of 5 years old and became a faithful servant of the Lord. She grew up on Goose Hill and attended Garfield Elementary School, Rock Jr. High School, and earned her high school diploma from East St. Louis Senior High. She also earned an Associate's Degree from State Community College.

Lillie united with Herman L. Waddy in holy matrimony on April 26, 1958 and renewed her vows to him on April 26, 2008 after 50 years of marriage. This union lasted for 57 years until Herman was called to eternal rest June 4, 2015. To this union 7 children were born: Cynthia M. Lowery, Jacqueline D. Jones, Joyce M. Waddy-Bownes, Cleathus L. Waddy, Cliff L. Waddy, Karen R. Waddy-Walker and Koren P. Haynes.

Minister Waddy worked at Boots Fishery in St. Louis, MO before becoming employed with East St. Louis School District 189. She worked at Johnson Elementary, and John-Robinson Elementary before being assigned to Paul Lawrence Dunbar in 1973. She served as the Media Technician/Librarian under the supervision of Mrs. Faye Tharp for many years. Mrs. Waddy shared her love for reading and her passion for learning with everyone and anyone she came in contact with. She later became the school secretary and remained in that position until her retirement in 1997. After her retirement, Minister Waddy became a full-time soldier in the Army for the Lord.

Minister Waddy was affiliated with several churches in the New Salem District and was a trailblazer in earning recognition of females in ministerial roles. Minister Waddy attended the New Salem District Congress, January Bible Study classes, and the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education for more than 40 years.

Before becoming a pastor, Minister Waddy served as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Mission, and a member of the New Salem District Women's Auxiliary. While attending Galilee Central Baptist Church she was instrumental in developing the Nurses guild. At Pilgrim Green Missionary Baptist Church she assisted in the development of the youth department and their affiliation with the Baptist Youth Fellowship. She also served as the president of the mission ministry. Minister Waddy was also a vital part of the nursing home ministry that served many nursing homes in the surrounding areas and served as a member of the prison ministry.

In 1997, Minister Waddy graduated from Christian Growth Preparatory School of Ministry earning a diploma. Minister Waddy became an ordained minister October 18, 1998 under the leadership of Pastor Richard C. Cosey, Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. She went on to earn an Associate's Degree in Christian Education in June, 2018.

Minister Waddy became Pastor of Lily Hill in 2017 and served as a faithful leader until her retirement in September, 2024. Pastor Waddy was instrumental in incorporating many effective changes and upgrades for the church and ministry during her leadership. While she recently retired as Pastor of Lily Hill Missionary Baptist Church, she was still a willing worker for the Lord. Pastor Waddy received many honors and awards including Recognition from the Top Ladies of Distinction.

Some of Pastor Waddy's favorite past-times were playing games with her family (she loved to play Scrabble), spending time on the fish bank, hanging with her bowling buddies, and having prayer with her prayer line partners. And of course she enjoyed engaging in conversations about the bible, especially over a good meal. In her younger days (even as a young mother), she could outrun every kid on the block (she was used to chasing her brothers when they needed to be chastised). And let's not forget her singing of God's goodness. Whether she was singing baritone, alto, soprano, or a note/tone she created all on her own, she was sure to display her joy for the Lord. She was sure to let everyone know that no rocks would ever need to cry out for her.

Pastor Waddy also had a passion for traveling. Whether it was a family vacation, an excursion with friends, time away with her husband, or an opportunity for more Christian growth, she was always ready to enjoy and explore new things.

Pastor Waddy wrote 100's of sermons as well as several plays that were performed in the churches she was affiliated with and she spoke, taught, and preached of God's goodness until God called her home.

Pastor Lillie M. Waddy leaves to cherish her memory five daughters and two sons: Cynthia Lowery, Cahokia Heights, IL, Jacqueline (Ethan) Jones of Smyrna, TN, Joyce (Curtis) Waddy-Bownes, O'Fallon, IL, Cleathus (Rozeather) Waddy, Independence, MO, Cliff (Rose) Waddy, St. Louis, MO, Karen (Warren) Waddy-Walker, Granite City, IL, and Koren Haynes, Cahokia Heights, IL; four siblings, Eugene (Bertha) Jones, Charles Jones, Norbert Jones, and Marilyn Jones-Bishop, all of Cahokia Heights or surrounding areas; a special nephew, Howard Jeffries; two special nieces, Dalphanie (Edward) Willis and Eugenia (Marlon) Manuel; two goddaughters, Odette (Walter) Ladd and Joyce Bownes, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.