A Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Lillian Bryant Williams Brown of Tampa, Florida who transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, February 13, 2021 will be held on Friday, February 26th, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of College Hill, 3838 N. 29th Street, with Pastor S. Evan Burrows, officiating. The interment will be held in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Death came quietly and gave her a gentle sleep. Lillian was born in Tampa, Florida, February 22, 1926 to the late William and Beatrice (LaCount) Bryant. She attended the Public Schools of Hillsborough County graduating from Middleton High School. Mrs. Brown, after graduation took on a variety of jobs. Once given the opportunity, she opened a kindergarten and pre-school in the basement of the First Baptist Church of College Hill under the late Rev. J. C. Robinson. She continued her education at Gibbs Junior College earning an AA degree. She was blessed once again and opened Little Angel Day Nursery and Kindergarten along with her daughter, Beatrice. As faith would have it Mrs. Brown had a burning desire to further her education and matriculated to Bethune-Cookman College now University earning a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. While at Bethune-Cookman, she served as dorm Counselor becoming a mother figure to many students being away from home. The highlight of her college life was becoming a member of the Mu Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. After receiving her degree, she returned to Hillsborough County, taught a few years then retired. Most of Mrs. Brown's life's work was that as a businesswoman and educator. She also catered to her community, taking residents shopping, preparing meals for those who were not able until her health took a turn for the worst. During her time at First Baptist Church of College Hill, she directed the youth choir, the youth usher board, the Christmas and Easter plays, and Vacation Bible School. The extraordinary gift of teaching enabled her to touch the lives of hundreds of children, many of which she maintained a close relationship over the years. She continued to impact the lives of many students and encouraged them to further their education. Mrs. Brown is a member of First Baptist Church of College Hill, Beta Sigma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the Hillsborough Chapter of Bethune-Cookman University National Alumni Association. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Howard Williams and Joseph Brown; daughters, Beatrice Black and Birdie Underwood; sons, Howard Williams Sr. and Harold Williams; grandson, Howard Williams, Jr.; sister, Leila Aldridge and brother, Nathaniel Bryant. She leaves to cherish her precious memories with daughter, Betoria Williams Watson; granddaughter, Raquel Watson Hickman (Jermell); grandchildren, Carter and Cari Hunter; niece, Dr. Shirley Speights; cousin, Vernell Robinson; goddaughters, Barbara Murphy, Dr. Inez Joseph, Carrie Jackson and Mildred Harvey; godson, Keith Murphy; Caregivers, Hazel Coleman and Ruth Neal; a host of relatives and friends.

The visitation will be at Aikens Funeral Home on Thursday, February 25th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Friday for the service. We are following the CDC guidelines.


Visitation
Chapel of Hope, Aikens Funeral Home
Thursday, February 25, 2021
05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
First Baptist Church of College Hill
Friday, February 26, 2021
11:00 AM
3838 N. 29th St
Tampa, FL 33610