Lillie Caffey, a native of Americus, Georgia, was born to Cleave Dove and Willie Mae Westbrook, both of Americus, Georgia. Lillie was born on January 5, 1939, in Americus, Georgia. She and her mother Willie Mae moved to Youngstown, Ohio in 1959. Lillie lived life to its fullest challenging herself to advance in every facet of life.

Lillie is a 1957 graduate of Central High School in Americus, Georgia. She began her working career at the former South Side hospital, in Youngstown, Ohio, where she worked as a cook in the kitchen.

After two years of working at the hospital, Lillie turned her sights to becoming a beautician. Lillie was licensed by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board in 1963 and began working in her aunt’s beauty shop, Katies Beauty shop, until her aunt's passing in 1989. Lillie continued to practice her gift of hair styling up until December of 2023.

Lillie, then known as Lillie Thomas, met Joseph Caffey in 1961. They were married on October 9,1962. Joseph and Lillie shared a bond that very few saw, a bond of trust, loyalty, compassion, understanding and most importantly a marriage built on the foundational principles of Jesus Christ. This was no ordinary marriage. Lillie was a praying wife and a praying mother. They were wed for fifty-seven years before his passing on October 22, 2019.

Many would say that in today’s society fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. However, these persons are encouraged to examine the marriage of Joseph L. Caffey Sr. and Lillie Caffey. A marriage that stood the test of time. Lillie once shared, “Marriage is not peaches and cream all of the time, its give and take, but mostly giving. If each partner is a giver, then both will always receive.”

Lillie once reflected, “When things were good, I prayed for my family, when things were bad, I prayed for my family. Prayer is what kept my family stable in good and bad times, but one thing Joe and I had in common was empathy. He understood how I felt about certain matters and I also understood how he felt which created a mutual respect. God broke the mold when he created my husband.”

Lillie enjoyed helping others. Her home was a home for all the neighborhood children while raising her own children at the same time. Lillie would make sure that anyone who came to her home was always fed and made to feel welcome.

Lillie was a life-time devoted church member at the Beulah Temple United Holiness Church of America; and served in many capacities such as Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, the Culinary Ministry and many more positions.

Lillie leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter Sharon D. (Timothy) Smith of Youngstown and three sons Joseph L. Caffey Jr. of Los Angeles, CA., Timothy A. Caffey Sr. of Columbus, OH., And Dexter A. (Rashida) Caffey of Bentonville AK.; seven grandchildren, Karen Smith, Shawnicia Smith, Timothy Smith, Jr., Josiah Smith, Venessa Smith, Timiya Caffey and Timothy Caffey, Jr., 19 Great-Grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren and a score of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Lillie’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life, illuminating the paths of those around her As she assumed her place among the ancestors, the love of her life & soul mate, Joe was awaiting her arrival at the celestial shore.

The Caffey Family will pay tribute to a remarkable woman who exemplified grace and compassion. All who were touched by Lillie’s loving spirit are invited to honor her memory. A public viewing will be held at Beulah Temple United Holy Church, 523 Griffith Street, on Tuesday December 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Following the viewing, a Celebration of Life service will commence at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Lawrence Freeman serving as the celebrant.

After the service, Lillie will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead Cemetery next to her beloved husband, Joseph “Joe” L. Caffey, Sr. As we come together to celebrate Lillie Caffey’s extraordinary life & legacy, let us remember the joy she brought into our lives and the love she so freely gave. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Lillie Caffey elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After-Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown, OH 44511 (330) 782-8500