Lillie Pearl Irvin Jones, affectionately known as Tillie, was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She passed away on March 17, 2024 at 8:04 am. She served in many roles in life, including devoted Christian, teacher, philanthropist, group home mother, and a beacon of
strength and love to those around her.

Lillie was born May 2, 1938 in Fairfield, Alabama to Virgin and Pearlie Irvin. She shared her childhood with six (6) siblings, Louis, Ollie, Laura, Sarah (Duck), Lillian (Toot) and Virgin (Boy), all preceding her in death. Also preceding her in death was her beloved granddaughter,
TiaJauna Threats.

Lillie was married to Nathaniel Threats and they had two sons, Nathaniel Jr. and Michael Threats. She later married Lemanuel Jones and they had a son, Craig Jones. She was a loving mother and truly loved her sons. She adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment she was able to share with them. Education held significant value to Lillie, and she continually pursued personal growth and knowledge. She graduated from Fairfield Industrial High School in 1956 and completed a degree from Morris Brown College in Early Childhood Education. She furthered her education and received a master's in education. Her educational achievements were a testament to her commitment to self-improvement.

Throughout her professional career, Lillie had a tremendous impact on youth. She taught in the Fort Worth Unified School System as an elementary teacher before continuing her teaching career in the State of New York. Lillie spent much of her career as a special education teacher
at Pleasantville Cottage School, a residential treatment program for emotionally troubled youth. She also served as a Group Home Parent where she was able to work with troubled youth, forming lifelong bonds with many of them. Lillie founded a program, TRUST, to continue
mentoring youth beyond the classroom. She served as house parent, mentor, job developer, and all-around friend to hundreds of youths where she impacted their lives forever. After retirement, Lillie moved home to Alabama. She remained active in civic activities and spent endless hours participating in city council meetings voicing community concerns and alumni association events. Lillie has always been an advocate for the elderly and held annual events for the residents of Clyde Williams Terrace during the holidays. She also coordinated them attending the quadrennial Alumni banquets. She always reached out to make their lives brighter.

Everyone who encountered Lillie remarked about her lively spirit and her storytelling. She would keep everyone laughing with her countless stories. She was always front and center sharing photos and times with celebrities over the decades. Most notably, she was locked arm in arm with Mrs. Coretta Scott King during the Civil Rights Movement. She was so proud of this moment. We will miss her stories, her presence and her spirit.

Lillie leaves to mourn and cherish her memory: sons, Michael Threats of Fairfield, Alabama and Craig Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada; Shaun Eggleston of Yonkers, New York; grandchildren Antjuan and Quintin Threats; Tiffany Coleman; Britney Smith; and Talyor and Alijah Threats.
She had a wide network of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren, and friends too numerous to name.