Lillie Bell (Nicholson) Shoates was the daughter of the late Willie L. And Fannie Nicholson.  She was born in Evergreen, Alabama on November 3, 1936, and passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family members on February 20, 2109, at the age of 82.  Affectionately known as Lillie by many friends and Bell by her family.

She was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. A. L. Dykes and was a devoted life member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  Serving many years as a Sunday school teacher, she also worked countless hours with the church’s vacation bible school that she loved so much.  When she was not tending to Sunday school, she was often found working in the food pantry where she helped many families on North Hill.  During her earlier days as a member of the Women’s Missionary Society, she discovered her special talent of making delicious pound cakes that were a hit at many of their Christmas dinners as well as a tasty dessert when you came to her house to visit.

Lillie, a beloved member of the Bath Church Garden Club and monthly Luncheons, also enjoyed gardening and planting flowers where she received the “Keep Akron Beautiful Award” for her lovely flower garden.

Lillie attended the University of Akron graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work, this allowed her to continue her passion of always willing to serve others.  After graduation she found employment with Safe Landing, a shelter for homeless teens where she was instrumental in turning a lot of their lives around; her favorite slogan often heard was “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”.  She was so well loved and appreciated at Safe Landing, that at her retirement party, Senator Howard Metzenbaum made a special trip out of his sick bed just to attend the party, commenting “I wouldn’t do this for anyone else”.  Lillie was a generous individual who loved people and was passionate about serving Jesus Christ and family often overlooking her own needs. She will be deeply missed!

She was preceded in death by parents, Willie L. and Fannie Nicholson; sisters Carrie and Norvee Nicholson; and grandson, Charlie Shoates IV.

Lillie leaves to celebrate her memories and legacy, a loving husband Charlie; four children, Charlie (Yvonne) III, Lawrence W. (Beverly) Shoates, Wanda T. (Barry) Colbert, Donovan L. (Deborah) Shoates; two sisters, Allie M. Nicholson, and Oradell (Tommy) Jackson; one brother, Willie E. “Nick” Nicholson; foster siblings, Elmer (Yvette) and Tony Mahone, Gregory and Beverly Sadler, Shariffe Wahid, all of Akron, OH; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.