Minister Lillian Brunson-Allen was the eldest of seven siblings, born to Lucille Ola Chapman and Joseph Chapman, Sr., on November 10, 1942, in Clarendon County, South Carolina. She attended various schools throughout the county during her younger years. She later fell in love with the late Deacon James O. Brunson, and the two were united in marriage on October 10, 1959. Their union marked the beginning of a long and beautiful legacy of family. Together, they welcomed four children while living in South Carolina. In 1964, Lillian moved to Tampa, Florida, where she welcomed the final two of her six children. After moving to Tampa, Lillian began working as a seamstress at Sun State Sportswear. When the company eventually closed, she discovered another calling that would become a significant part of her life: nursing. She began her nursing career at Centro Espinal Hospital, where she gained valuable experience and began serving others through her work. She remained in the nursing profession for the next 30 years until her retirement. Retirement did not mark the end of Lillian’s service. She was a devoted and faithful worker in the church and dedicated much of her life to serving others. In 1970, she joined Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where she touched and cultivated the hearts of many through her love, faith, and service. Throughout her years at Ebenezer, Lillian served as a missionary and deaconess. She also shared her beautiful voice by leading the “Angel Choir.” In the early 2000s, she was ordained as a Minister in her beloved church home. Lillian opened her home to not only her family, but anyone in the community who needed a tad bit of extra love. After Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church closed, she began to visit Peace Progressive Missionary Baptist church. She joined the congregation in 2011 and made this her final church home. In an unfortunate turn of events, Deacon Brunson passed away on May 1, 2013, after 54 years of love, devotion, and cherished memories together. After his passing, she found meaningful ways to spend her time and continue giving back to her community. She volunteered as a grandmother with Hillsborough County Schools, serving at various locations and sharing her love, wisdom, and nurturing spirit with countless children. While serving at Peace Progressive, she met Brother Wayne Allen. In time, she decided to open her heart once again, and the two entered into a loving union together until her final breath. 

She was preceded in death by her late husband, James Onnie Brunson (Rat); parents, Joesph Chapman. Sr and Lucille Ola Chapman; brother, Joesph Chapman. Jr; sister, Sylvia Maxwell; daughter, Benita Kirlew; grandchildren, Jared Lawson and Barrick Brunson. Jr. Lillian leaves to cherish her memories with her: husband, Brother Wayne Allen; 5 children, Barrick Brunson (Linda), Rev. Beverly Ann Brunson, Bishop Byron Brunson. Sr (Patricia), Bernadette Brunson, Barbia Nesbeth (Mark), and God Children, Sherrell Lewis, Quantai Washington, Paulett Wilson-Buchanan. Sisters, Carlyn Sanders (retired U.S Army E-8, Charles), Barbara Ann Chapman, Doris Cromartie; brother, Retired U.S Army Sgt. Major Alfred Lee Chatman (Charlotte); grandchildren, Zeron McCarthon, Deshaud Brunson (Fatima), Marlana Brunson, Byron Brunson. Jr, Tameika Brunson, Laquita Brunson, Quinelle Brunson, Byron Brunson. Jr, Ciara Hamilton (Keith), James Kelly, Jeris Brunson, Exsencia Murphy (Charles), Kedra Wray (Ricardo) Eugenia McKinzie, Whitney McKinzie, Hyacinth Kirlew, Owen Kirlew. Jr, Lisa Kirlew, Prevlion Cloma. Jr, Antonio Brunson. Sr (Shayla), Wilson Bein-Aime Sr, Jaed Estera, Sebastion Pascal, Sasha Estera; adoptive grandchildren, Aliyah Ray and Linda Jones; best friend, Rohnda Dula; A host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren. A host nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends. Minister Lillian Brunson-Allen lived a life marked by love, family, faith, service, and dedication. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the faith she so faithfully shared with others.