Lillie Gore

April 27, 1916 - March 5, 2010
Lillie Gore

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Lillie Gore, born April 27,1916 to W H Long, Sr. and Della Mills, passed away Friday March 05, 2010 at Mariner Health Care.

She was predeceased by her son, George E. Knight, his step-son, Harry Hobbs, seven brothers and two sisters and is survived by her daughter, Billie K Jones.

Also surviving are her sisters, Retha Padgett and Barbara Jean (Peggy ) Davis and husband, Esty Davis, Jr. and a daughter-in-law, Liliana Knight.. Betty Stanley, a beloved niece, also survives

Lillie’s grandchildren by her son are Morris (Paul) Knight, Brenda Knight Swartz.and Michael Knight and a step grandson, Larry Hobbs.

Lillie’s grandchildren by her daughter are Teresa S. Leatherwood (John), Vicki S. Ellington (Mike) David Smith (Sylvia) of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Walter Steven Smith (Andie) and Michael L. Smith ( Dorothee’) of
Kansas City, Missouri and a special granddaughter, Jennifer Grace Jones.

Many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and even great-great-great grandchildren also survive.

Those who may remember Lillie, knew her as the owner of the Rex Restaurant on Oleander Drive and many wore the beautiful garments which she, as a highly skilled seamstress, made for them. When ladies were first added to the Sheriff Department, Miss Lillie made their uniforms. She did everything with style and perfection.

For the past five years, she has resided at Mariner Health Care where she has charmed all who learned to love her. I wish I could name each of you individually and tell you how grateful I am for the love and care you showed my mother. To you, Fran and you, Joanne, I will never forget the genuine love you had for her. And to all who were her “Sweethearts”, God bless you in a special way. You know who you are. Annie, I won’t forget you. Thank you all.

Last, but not least, Ann Jones, thank you for ringing the call bell because Momma couldn’t.

I write this with love and gratitude to all of you, Billie.

Lillie was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church at Fifth and Willard.

A graveside Memorial will be held
Monday, 11:00 AM at Oleander Memorial Gardens

“Don’t spend your money for flowers…just one rose will do”. All who would like to, a rose for my Mother would be deeply appreciated.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • March 06, 2010
    The Swartz Family says:
    Aunt BillieFay, You know how much I love you and you are in my heart. Losing grandma is our family losing a matriarch of our family. She was an icon to us all. Brenda, Jay, Joshua, David and Daniel

  • January 04, 2011
    JENNIFER JONES says:
    I MISS YOU GRANDMA.TOMORROW IS JANUARY5,2011.IT HAS BEEN 9 MONTHS FROM TOMORROW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FROM ME AND MY MOM.