Lillie Jean Cochran, was born to the late Rev. Richard Hughes and Mrs. Lillian Stone in Troy, Alabama. She spent her young years with her family in Thomasville, Georgia until they settled in Sarasota, Florida in the 1950s.

Lillie graduated from Booker High School in 1961, and moved to Jacksonville, Florida for junior college. She returned to the Sarasota community where she lead a vibrant career and settled down to have her own family.

Lillie retired from Verizon (formerly GTE) in the 1990s. As with many members of the Hughes family, Lillie’s retirement didn’t last long. She went on to work for AAA Auto Group South and retired in the late 2010s as a top sales associate. Lillie bore two children, Michael Gilley and Cynthia Williams. She also had several bonus children from her first marriage. Lillie was preceded in death in 1999 by her first husband, Leroy Williams. Later,

Lillie was able to reconnect with Franklin Cochran, her high school classmate. They rekindled their friendship and it turned into love. They shared 25 years together as a happy (and stylish) couple. Lillie was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Richard Hughes, Robert Hughes, Inez Hughes Lewis, and Juanita Turner.

Lillie leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Franklin; children, Michael Gilley, Cynthia Williams, Deidre Stallworth, Carmen Keaton (Leando), Shantel Woods; grandchildren Alexa Jenkins (Christopher), Serenity Peterson, Trae Gilley, Ashley Harvey, Brielle Keaton, Brianna Keaton, Treyon Keaton, Kyle Stallworth, Zathan Woods, Zane Woods; treasured brothers Eugene Hughes (Emma), and Jerome Hughes (Cheri); sister-in-law Vera Hughes; plus a host of great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 28, 2025 from 6:00pm- 8:00pm at Truvine Missionary Baptist Church located at 1947 31st St, Sarasota, FL 34234. Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Truvine Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.