Lilly Waters (Lillie Mae Felder)
Lilly Waters, born Lillie Mae Felder on February 17, 1933, to Hattie and Graham Felder in Bishopville, South Carolina, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 91.
Lilly grew up in Bishopville, South Carolina, on Felder Street, named after her family. She was raised by her Aunt Addie, who owned a small farm and country store, and spent her childhood surrounded by her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lilly often fondly reminisced about her days on the farm, where she completed her daily chores, including milking cows and feeding chickens, before heading to school. She also loved helping in her Aunt Addie’s store. Friday evenings were special to Lilly, as that was when she received her allowance. During summer vacations, Lilly would visit her cousins in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where she enjoyed playing in the park across the street from their home.
In her early teens, Lilly moved to Philadelphia to care for a relative and eventually made it her home. She received her education in the Philadelphia public school system and worked various jobs throughout her life, eventually retiring from Campbell Soup. In retirement, Lilly devoted much of her time to visiting family and friends, while encouraging her grandchildren/great-grandchildren to value education and learn a second language. She took great joy in using Hooked on Phonics to help give them an early advantage in life.
When Lilly was in her early 80’s, she rededicated her life back to the Lord and became filled with the Holy Spirit. She also enjoyed a variety of pastimes, including listening to the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, playing and watching the lottery, watching horse races with her late son-in-law Tommy, engaging in talk radio, and singing. One of her favorite songs was “You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis, and the other was “There I’ve Said it Again” by Bobby Vinton.
Lilly was preceded in death by her husbands, Hubert Waters (ex-husband) and Ernesto Ruiz; her parents, Hattie and Graham Felder; her daughters Renae (Nelson) and Leslie (Tommy); her sons Thomas, Franklin, and Kevin; and her granddaughter, Aliyah.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: Christine (Annie), Reggie, Lisa, Orvella (Lamont); her 12 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other beloved family members and friends.
Above all, Lilly was known for her wisdom, which she shared unapologetically. She will be remembered for her big smile, stern kindness, willingness to help others, graceful spirit, and engaging conversations. Lilly’s legacy of “Make sure you save a dollar”, wisdom, and willingness to help educate will live on in all who knew her.
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