Lillian Ray (Fanning) Hemphill was born on September 23, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late John Henry Fanning and Elizabeth (Jones) Reynolds. She was affectionately known as “Red” or “Ray Ray,” but she was most known as “The Boss” to her family.

She was raised by her father and his late wife Helen Fanning. Growing up she worked in her father’s stores and was a homemaker for her family. She attended and graduated from the Cleveland Public Schools. Lillian met and married the late Leon Hemphill (deceased) and from that union five children were born. She loved to garden, play cards, board games, arts and crafts, going on trips, and she especially loved going to the casino. Lillian belonged to the social club “The Energetic Ladies” where the last surviving member of the club is her good friend, Pat Bennifield. She was an avid dog lover and enjoyed watching game shows. She would throw backyard parties filled with good music, great food, and lots of laughter. To everyone who crossed her path, she would show them love. Lillian was the eldest of eight children. On Saturday, December 31, 2022, Lillian was called to her eternal home at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her sisters: Lois Russell, Joan Fanning, and Glenda Slan Washington.

She leaves behind her siblings to cherish her memories: Donald Acree, Yvonne Wilson, Henry Johnson, Carla Bronson (James), and sister-in-law Gertrude Hemphill. Lillian leaves behind to mourn the loss of her presence her children: Leon D. Hemphill, Duane L. Hemphill, Elizabeth K. Hemphill, Darren K. Hemphill (Lesa), and Lisa H. (Hemphill) Heard (Larry). Lillian leaves to mourn her passing her grandchildren: Edward D. Lawson (Darla), Duane L. Hemphill Jr. (Bethany), Kameela S. (Hemphill) Jones (Anthony), Dajuana Hemphill, Nikita R. (Walker) Dawson (Jonathan), Tauheed-Nazeeh Hemphill, Derrick L. Heard, Nia R. Walker, and Danardo L. Heard and a host of great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends who will miss her dearly. Lillian was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family