Lillie Nesbitt Wilkes

Lillie Nesbitt Wilkes is the daughter of the late Grace Bious Gregory and John Wesley Gregory. She was affectionately called Lillie Mae and Lillie. She loved God, and she loved life. Lillie attended the public schools of Greenville County and, something very few people knew, she was a basketball player in the school system. In fact, this is how she met her first husband, Calvin Eugene "Nuke" Nesbitt, who followed her around to her games for a chance to meet and to court her. Some years later, they married and to this union, seven children were born. 

Lillie joined Maple Creek Baptist Church at an early age. More than four decades ago, under the leadership of Reverend F.S. Jones, and the encouragement of the young adults and youth of the church, she organized the talented Jones Gospel Singers. She continued to work diligently and faithfully at Maple until her spirit stirred her to move her membership to Beulah Christian Fellowship Church. 

Lillie worked as a dietician in the Public Schools of Greenville County until she retired having last served in that capacity at Southside High School. She had many loves–family, people, shopping, gardening and playing Bid Whist–but her greatest love was for the Lord, with him she has now found her sweet rest. 

Lillie is survived by her nine children, Phyllis Fowler (Ray), Clark Nesbitt, Gwendolyn Nesbitt, James W. Nesbitt (Blondell), Teresa Cosby, Tonia Martin, Ronnie Nesbitt, Tracie Stafford, Melissa Grant, and Leonard Johnson; siblings, James W. Gregory (Martha), Margarett G. Turner, Everett Gregory (Thomascene), Johnny M. Gregory (Mattie), and Robert Gregory (Valerie); 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, grand-nieces, nephews, and grand-nephews. Danny Smith, Lillie's special friend, worked in the home providing her with comfort, love, and care. The family is indebted to him.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 1 pm. until the hour of service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The Wilkes Family is being cared for by Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Inc. www.sullivanbrosmortuary.com.