"God chose a rose from His garden to plant in Heaven." Lillie M. Gadsden, daughter of the late Rev. Guy Washington and Mrs. Henrietta White Washington, was born on August 3, 1922, in Berkeley County, South Carolina. On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, Lillie Mae Gadsden received her wings of glory. She was educated in Berkeley County, SC where she attended J.K. Gourdine Elementary School. She married her first love, Namon (Soda) Gadsden, Sr. in 1944. He preceded her to their heavenly home in October 1993. She was a member of Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the Number One Choir for more than forty (40) years, inspiring many parishioners who admired and loved her. Lillie Mae's greatest recognitions included her array of hats which adorned her head with different colors, shapes and styles and were always admired by onlookers. Noteworthy was her cooking, her cakes, pies and especially her rise bread and jelly stacks which brought folks from miles around. At any given time, she could be found in her garden, tending to her array of flowers and plants, which was a passion of hers. Her memories will live forever in the hearts of: her five children, Thelma D. Gadsden of St. Stephen, SC, Namon (Lizzie) Gadsden, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA, Isiah (Lerline) Gadsden of St. Stephen, SC, Venus Gadsden (John) Walker of Rockville, MD and Jerome Gadsden of St. Stephen, SC; eight grandchildren: Timothy (Yanka) Gadsden, Keshia Gadsden, Kristy Gadsden, Bonita J. Walker, Jacinta M. Walker, John Walker, Jr., Tawanda Gadsden and Brandi Gadsden; three great-grandchildren, T'wann Gadsden, Jaison Walker-Taliaferro and Aaliyah Paris Walker; one brother, St. Julian Washington of Pineville, SC; two sisters, Mary Lee King of St. Stephen, SC and Victoria White of New Jersey; special aunt, Mary Washington; goddaughter, Veronica Hays; devoted friends and special neighbors, Viola and John P. Gaillard; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. To leave a memorial message for the family, please click on the 'SIGN GUESTBOOK' tab. To view her funeral arrangements, please click on 'SERVICE SCHEDULE' tab. Thank you!