Lillian Clayton Baldwin Willis
February 3, 1917 ~ January 3, 2010
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Lillian M. Clayton Baldwin Willis of Arden passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2010, at her home.
She was born on February 3, 1917, in Buncombe County to the late Lawrence C. Clayton and Elizabeth (Bessie) Tweed Clayton. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, infant Susan E. Clayton and Helen L. Clayton Allen of Fletcher; husband of 42 years Ira M. Baldwin of Fletcher; and husband W. Albert Willis of Greenville, SC.
A 1939 graduate of The Asheville Normal Teachers College, she taught for 31 years in Buncombe and Henderson Counties, retiring from Fletcher Elementary School in March of 1980. She was a lifetime member of the North Carolina Association of Educators.
She was a member of Fletcher United Methodist Church since 1927 where she taught Sunday school for many years. She also held several offices in the Lorena Kelly Circle of which she was a charter member.
Surviving are her daughter Sherry Clayton Baldwin of Arden, daughter Pamela Baldwin Pittman and husband Robert B. Pittman of Sylva; grandsons J. Daniel Pittman of Smyrna, GA and Michael A. Pittman of Cullowhee.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Fletcher United Methodist Church with Reverend Steve Combs officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Lillian's family wishes to thank her many loving friends and caregivers.
I was a first grade student of Mrs. Baldwin back in 1964. I was a shy timid child and I will always remember how she in her wisdom,guided and encouraged me. I remember when she got the turqouise corvair, I thought it was so pretty. May God Bless and Comfort your family.
Sherry,
You have been an angel to your mom in so many ways and I know she knew that. You are an inspiration! I wish I were there to give you a hug, but Barry will do that for me and the rest of this part of your adopted family. Love, prayers and hugs! Debbie Wilson
Sherry and family: I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. It was a pleasure to meet her and work with her. My prayers are with you. Kim Sluder
Dear Pam and Sherry, and family,
I want to say how very sorry I was to hear of Aunt Lillian’s death. When Dad (Steve Greene) shared of her cancer and surgeries, I immediately placed her on the prayer chain at my church. Several persons in my church have asked how she was over the last weeks.
I was saddened today to learn of her death. She had the sweetest spirit. I loved her as my first grade teacher. Aunt Lillian taught me the Lord’s prayer as part of our memory work in the first grade. She also spanked me on the hand for talking. We would laugh about that in later years!
I love all of her crafting abilities – especially tadding and crocheting. I have so many of her ornaments which she made me on my Christmas tree each year.
She was a person of faith, family and I am so appreciative of the wonderful friend/sister-in-law she was to Gran, Louise, Hazel. Her hairstyle was so Aunt Lillian, and she was as intrested in our lives with love always. She was an inspiration to me in her hand crafting ability, as well as her faith in Christ and to family. She was greatly loved by me, Paige, and Jonathan, and my Mom and Dad as well.
Know that I am praying for your family, as it is hard to loose a mother. Thinking of you for comfort and the peace of Christ.
In the Grace of God,
Kelley
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Sherry and Pam and family for the passing of their mother.
Helen, Trip, and Linda Andrews
What is there to say when words seem but so far away? What is there to do when loosing a mother has never happened to you? What is there to give when the greatest gift was but the opportunity to live and have the chance to be apart of Mother Lillian’s life? Who other than I had the pleasure of writing in a distant land, to return knowing that Mother Lillian had copies made of all my writings,my travels, struggles, journeys and photos. It was as though she was write there beside side, correcting my grammar, shaking her head, reading letter after letter in between Carolina games, and let’s not forget, looking at the long awaited post cards. What an amazing feeling I felt just to know how much she cared about someone she knew so little of. She made me feel so special, so intelligent, so just meant to be, and I will always remember thee for she gave a bit of her time just to be with me. Mother Lillian may you rest in peace, for the battle is not over but has only just begun.
To the family, especially, my Mother Sherry whom I adore so very much; and to all who prayed and stood by Mother Lillian’s side until the end, I just want to say thank you for caring for her until the end. May one day we all be smiling as we gather to laugh and meet again in a place where the streets are paved with gold, and we never have to suffer nor worry of growing old. One sweet day.
Dear Sherry, Pam, and family,
I know it is hard to lose someone you love so dearly. Momma has told me repeatedly what a wonderful friend Lillian was over the years. I recall visiting your home as a young child and any time we were in NC. My prayer is that she, and those loved ones who’ve gone before her including my Daddy are having a wonderful reunion in heaven. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sherry & Pam – Knowing your mother was a true gift! I can only think of the butterfly bookmark she tatted and gave me that stated ‘Love is like a butterfly. It goes where it pleases and pleases everywhere it goes.’ That was your mother – loving and pleasing everyone she touched!
Sending thoughts for peaceful rememberances, meaningful reflections and a bright, love filled transition to the new experiences to come.
May your lives be filled with only the very best.