Lillian Birdsong Bing-Williams

On October 6, 1936 in the small town of Winter Garden, Florida, Henry and Rosetta Birdsong welcomed a beautiful baby girl to their already blossoming family. Her name was Lillian one of 16 children. Henry being the disciplinarian and Rosetta having the gentle spirit of a lamb made their home one of great joy, love and respect. Both were Master Chefs, so there were always scrumptious meals and delicacies at any given time. The entire family was blessed with voices of angels. Can you imagine all of these beautiful voices blending in perfect harmony? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you. Love ye one another. Love thy neighbor as thyself. To work hard and earn an honest living were values and Christian training instilled in all them at an early age. Don‟t forget to” SMILE!” What a Family!! Lillian received her early education in Winter Garden, later graduating from Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. After graduation she furthered her education by becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist. This path allowed her to enter a life of entrepreneurship that sustained her with both years of friendship and a lucrative business. We all share memories of her being the most ” Bumper Curling, Hot Curling, Pressing Comb with "yellow wax” lady on Maxey Drive. Lillian was the first cosmetologist for the Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, where she rendered service for many, many years. Lillian also “sweeten the tooth” of the neighborhood by being the Candy Lady to children and the young at heart adults. As a young lady she met and married Johnnie Bing, Jr., their union was blessed with two beautiful children, Laurence and Marvelous. Later she married Adolphus Williams. “Miss Lillian” as she was affectionately known by most, was truly a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family unconditionally. Her motto was: “Laugh, Live, Love!” In addition she loved cooking and sharing food with anyone in need. She acquired the cooking skills from mom and dad. She had a passion of giving advice and words of wisdom to several family friends, church members and even her clientele. Because of her Christian upbringing, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior at an early age. She began her work in Christ's Kingdom at St. Paul A.M.E. She loved her church but most of all she loved the Lord. She was a dedicated and faithful lifetime member until her health declined. She was especially loyal to the work of the Sarah Toney Missionary Society and served as Choir President. She was also a member of the singing group, The Zionettes. Lillian loved her community and worked very hard to make it a better place for children as well as adults. For many years she was a Nurse's Aide at a Home Health Care Service. She was one of the founders of the County Wide Charity Club. You help others, “just because.” On Monday, March 31, 2014 Lillian stepped across the threshold we call death, but it was only a stepping into one of the rooms of our Father's mansion. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Rosetta Birdsong; first husband, Johnny Bing, Jr.; a loving husband Aldolphus Williams, her precious son Laurence, adoring siblings: Eunice Johnson, Henrietta Graham, Larry Birdsong and Versie Hoffman. She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving and devoted daughter, Marvelous Rodgers (Donald) Clermont, Florida; three step daughters: Lynette Cooper, Eddie Warren (John), Mosetta Williams all of Rochester, New York; five Sisters: Christine (Lucius) Prairie View Texas; Jerlene Adell (Melvin) Eustis, Florida; Rosa Lockhart (Curtis) Easton, Pennsylvania; Ruth Turner (Robert) Tuskegee, Alabama; and Juanita Hendricks (Lee) Easton, Pennsylvania; four brothers: Henry Birdsong III, Winter Garden, Florida, James Birdsong (Rachel) Easton, Pennsylvania; Robert Birdsong, (Adrinne) Winter Garden, Florida, and Melvin Birdsong (Jean) Apopka, Florida; seven grandchildren, Larvaze Morss, Brenton Bolden, Jonathan Rodgers, Tisha Bing, Donald Rodgers II, Curtis Williams and Diamond Rodgers; seven extended grandchildren; Daryl, Laqusasia, Dondra, Marlen, Dontavous, Travelle and Courtney; nine great-grand children: Austin, Marvelle, Heaven, Neveah, Jordan, Jade, Jacorian, Lance, and Daliyla; a lifelong friend for 44 years, Eddie Ruth Jackson and family; Willie "Pop” Anderson who was like a son to her, two god children; Veronica Bertrand and Angel Cooley; a host of extended great grandchildren, nieces, nephews other sorrowing relatives and friends.

Tributes

Lillian Birdsong Bing-Williams

October 6, 1936 - March 31, 2014