Lillar Mae Burton

Mom, Matris (Ma-treece) term used by grandchildren and great grandchildren, Ms. Lill

 Lillar Mae Smith Burton was born on August 11,1932 to Birtie Mae Smith and Richard Smith of Lexington Kentucky. Around the age of 14 the family moved to Lebanon, Ohio where an only child met the Burton clan of 8 on Pleasant Square…where it all began. Lillar married William (Bill) Burton Jr on December 22, 1950. Lillar was a stenographer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, when they started their family. All 4 daughters being born in Ohio.

When Bill’s job transferred the family to Indianapolis in the early 60’s. Lil obtained a job with Saint Vincent Hospital. The family joined Coppin Chapel AME church under the encouragement of Mary Durham, a work associate. William Burton III was born in Indianapolis. Lil and Bill were active AME members, teaching Sunday school as well as scout leaders.

They were members of the NAACP during a critical time in our nation’s history. Lillar was also an officer of the National Council of Negro Women

Lil served as president of the Flossie K Bailey Missionary Society and designated as a torch lighter. Lil worked in and for her church in various capacities

Lil had many interests you could catch her in the kitchen baking or sitting at her sewing machine making an outfit for herself or anyone else that asked. Many of her friends enjoyed her yeast rolls and pecan pies

Reading was also a great passion along with word search, most of us knew not to call if Wheel of Fortune was on the television.

Lil was known for her beautiful hats; she wore to church and many other social events.

Lil loved to travel and travelled with her late husband and children often, from Cancun to the Vatican and several cities in between.

She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Bill of 33 years, and her son William “Bill” Burton III

She leaves behind her daughters Marcia Jordan (Reggie), Bonita Royster (Brett), Tonya Perry and Eugenia Benson. Her six grandchildren Rustyna, Alyssa, Sean, William, Stuart and Jamal plus nine great grandchildren Destyne, Gentry, Keylahn, Emanuell, Ezekiel, Marlin, Mya-Jae, Anilah and Alaylen. She also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and “adopted” children and grandchildren