Lillie D. Sullivan

Ms. Lillie Doris Norris Sullivan was born 3 miles West of downtown Sardis, OK on October 5th, 1929 to Callie and Grover Norris. She passed away peacefully early morning of March 20, 2024 at the young age of 94. She departed this world with her oldest daughter, Alana Gail Joyner, by her bedside at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City after a nightlong battle and complications with a blood clot in her left leg after a recent fall at her home. She stayed cognizant and sharp until very near the end. Lillie is survived by three children, Alana Gail 'Tallant' Joyner and husband Delbert of Oklahoma City, Devonna Jean 'Tallant' Manley of Clayton, and Troy Travis Nix and wife Lisa of Albuquerque, NM, and one step-son Warren Sullivan and wife Trish of Dover, TN; 7 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren! She is preceded in death by her parents, 11 aunts and uncles, 15 siblings, one step-son and one great great grandchild and her husband Johnny Sullivan who passed February 1, 2023. Lillie attended winter school at Borden and summer school at Lone Star thru approximately the 8th grade. She told her son Troy that she left home( ran off ) when she was 14 to keep from getting another whipping from her Dad when he came in from the field as he had caught her talking to the boy that lived on farm next to them. She made it to Talihina and got a job at the TB Sanatorium. About two thirds of Lillie's occupational life entailed working at five & dime type stores, worked her way up to checker at Furr's Cafeteria, was department head for Gibson's Discount Center and worked for Aerotronics for 18 years before they closed up there in Hartshorne. She made that roundtrip drive from Clayton to Hartshorne every day come rain or shine and I bet you she didn't't take off more than 5 days in 18 years. Ms Lillie was very proud to become a born again Christian July 1991 and was baptized by Pastor Mitch Mullen. Lillie married Johnny Sullivan on October 5, 1991 at Tuskahoma First Baptist Church by Pastor Mitch Mullen. They lived out in the tater hills of Tuskahoma on fifty acres until July 2016 when they moved to Hartshorne and became members of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Most of the kinfolk including the Ayers, Norris's, Rice's, Shockley's and Sorrel's affectionately called Ms Lillie 'Aunt Diddie'. Her Dad called her Tom and swore she could outwork two men anytime. Thus many also knew her as Tommie. Aunt Diddie loved every single one of you nieces and nephews and your kids too. A survivor thru life's challenges , Lillie faced each obstacle with unwavering resilience and determination. Her commitment to hard work and dedication was unmatched, earning her respect as the hardest worker in any room and maintaining the cleanest house with pride. Ms Lillie treasured her role as a devoted mother and sibling, embodying unconditional love and support for her children and siblings throughout her life. Her family was her greatest source of joy and pride and she cherished every moment spent with them. She took immense pride in her heritage, boasting a bloodline of 1/16 percent from the Citizen Pottawatomie Nation. She found great meaning and connection in her ancestry, embracing her heritage with pride and reverence. Ms Lillie also had a deep affection for Borden Cemetery, often visiting despite its forgotten status by civilization. She made it her mission to preserve its legacy and she would drag any person unaware of its peril out there to rake, pick up and burn to improve the site. Many simple headstones at this old cemetery were handmade and placed by Lillie and Johnnie Sullivan. The family, from deep within our hearts want to especially thank the following people that have continued to look after Ms Lillie this past year with her alone in the house. If it hadn't't been for you all she would have had to go in a nursing home long ago. God love and bless you for your dedication, selflessness and compassion. Tom & Tracie Howard and boys Tommy and Trayton, Jeanie Adams, Leslie & Mitch Skinner, Ray & Danelle Pruitt & Brianna. AND all the crew at Heartland Hospice of McAlester., Micah, Shayla and Evan. Just can't thank you people enough. Cornerstone Baptist Church, Pastor Clint and Family and the beloved congregation were all such an important part of Johnny and Lillie Sullivan's lives. You all were considered part of their family. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 at 10:00AM at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. Services will follow at 11:00AM with Pastor Clint Pope officiating. Internment will follow at Sardis Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

Lillie D. Sullivan

October 5, 1929 - March 20, 2024