Lillie Bell (Pettway) Rawls

Graveside Service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Decatur City Cemetery with the Reverend Jerry Baker officiating. Public viewing will be Friday from 1:00 pm till 5:00 pm and the family will receive friends from 5:00 till 7:00 at Reynolds Funeral Home.

Lillie Bell Pettway Rawls was born on December 29, 1931 to the late Cherokee Parker Petty and the late Clemon Pettway Sr. in Boykin, AL. She peacefully transitioned to Heaven on May 1, 2021 at her home surrounded by loved ones.  A humble and sweet woman, she touched all who crossed her path. We thank God for the life of our mother, sister, and friend and honor her legacy.

Lillie was the second born daughter of eight children and from a young age she was a dedicated, loving, and caring person. She was a devoted daughter and sister helping to provide for the family while attending Wilcox Elementary and High School in Boykin, AL. Lillie often told stories of the hardships faced during her childhood years with endearing remembrance, expressing gratitude and the importance of family and doing what is right in life.

Lillie met and married her husband, the late Clarence Rawls on Dec. 29, 1955 after he returned from serving in the Korean War. The couple went on to have five children together and moved to Bridgeport, CT in 1958 to raise their family. Always a hardworking woman who wished to contribute, she worked in several careers including being a lineworker at Fairfield Plastics in Fairfield, CT. She also worked at Kaman Aerospace Corporation prior to retirement. Lillie and Clarence retired in 1994 and decided to return to their home state of Alabama, settling in Decatur AL.

Lillie had always had a relationship with Christ, but in May 1993 Lillie proclaimed that she was Born Again in the Lord! She confessed her salvation in the Lord and rededicated her life to Christ. She became a member of St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, AL where she has served faithfully as mother of the church for over 25 years.

Her husband, Clarence, transitioned to Heaven in June 2000. Always a steadfast caregiver, she continued to be a caregiver and mother to anyone in need. She felt that God had a calling on her life to help those who could not help themselves. She felt that young children and mothers who could not provide for themselves should not suffer. She began to serve as a volunteer once a week at the Save A Life Center in Decatur, AL in 2003. There, she provided spiritual counselling and needed supplies to young mothers in need. She felt like she had to do more, so she started her own foundation called “The Kids Closet” right out of her own garage. She collected children's clothing, baby items, and diapers from friends, family members, and church members to supply numerous young mothers and their children with much needed help.

In addition to helping young mothers and being a loving mother herself, Lillie was an endearing grandmother and auntie. She provided unwavering love and encouragement for all people in her life. Her meek, humble, and compassionate nature was immediately felt by all in her presence and will greatly be missed.

Lillie joins her husband, Clarence and her children, Winifred Roberts and Clyde Rawls in Heaven. She was also predeceased by her parents Cherokee Parker and Clemen Pettway Sr., her eldest sister Annie Bell Pettway(John), and brothers Daniel Pettway(Martha) and Lewis Pettway(Creola).

She leaves to cherish her memory: four children, Willie Morgan Pettway (Julie) of Boykin, AL; Ralph E. Rawls (Brenda), Ronald E. Rawls (Eva), Evelyn O. Rawls all of Decatur, AL; two stepchildren, Austin Perkins and Jessie Pettway (Cynthia) both of Bridgeport, CT. 11 grandchildren including two devoted, Lashonda J. Bennett and Lance Bennett Jr. of Decatur, AL; four step-grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; siblings, Barnetta Pettway(Mackery) of Bridgeport, CT; Suzanne Pettway(Ray) of Detroit, MI; Clemon Pettway Jr. (Ida) of Decatur, AL. and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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