Rosalea (Ellison) Lilly

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

Rosalea Ellison Lilly, 83, of Sanford, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Transitions Hospice in Raleigh, NC. 

She was born in Camp Creek, WV in 1940 to Gilmore and Florence Ellison, and 15 siblings. She grew up in West Virginia then eventually settled in Sanford, NC. Up until the time of her death, she made her home with her youngest daughter, Robin. She was a woman of faith and devoted her life to serving her family as wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma.  

Rosalea, fondly known as Mama and Granny, was loved by her 3 children Rhonda Byrd (Joe) of Winston-Salem, Barry Lilly (Robbie) of Alabama, and Robin Vaughn of Cary; her 9 grandchildren Anthony Lilly, Tara Dutta, Sara Garner, Preston Byrd, Rebecca Hines, Tyler Byrd, Ryan Lilly, Jeromy Lilly, Kaylee Vaughn; and her 23 great-grandchildren. 

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Bridges-Cameron in Sanford from 6pm-8pm. A private graveside service will follow for the family on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to the Transitions LifeCare hospice home would be greatly appreciated. 

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