Lillie L. Swinton was born October 16,1930 in Andrews, South Carolina. Her husband of 65 years, her parents Melvin and Maggie Snow, 3 grandchildren (Rafael, Harold Edward, and Darryl Epps), and 13 brothers and sisters preceded her in death.

Lillie started her education at St. John AME Church and was transferred to Browns High School in Nesmith,South Carolina. In her early teens she met and married Buddie Swinton later moved to Kansas City, Missouri. In 2012, Buddie received his wings after being married for 65 years. To this union 9 children were born 6 boys and 3 girls.

In 1956, Lillie joined St James United Methodist Church were she was one of the founding members until her death. During her years at St James, she served on the Women's Society of Christian Service which is now called the United Methodist Women, the Usher Board, and a member of the Senior Bible class which was held every Wednesday. Lillie had a passion for singing and the gift to listen and communicate which she was chosen to lead the group in praise and worship.

Lillie was known by her family, friends and church members as someone who could really cook. Some of her favorites were chicken and rice, sweet potatoe pie, meatless collard greens, Mac n cheese, spaghetti salad,tea cakes, and corn pudding just to name a few dishes. When her grandson Rafael was diagnosed with leukemia,for several months she cooked and prepared meals for the families at the Ronald McDonald House which was new in the area that housed families from other states and far away communities whose children were ill. Lillie later intiated having her church prepare meals for the Ronald McDonald House as well. She was also chosen as president of her block club. During that time she organized block club picnics and evenings of fun and family gatherings. The community fire department attended some of these events where they turned the fire hydrant on for the children to enjoy the water. Unfortunately some of those firemen were killed during an explosion a few miles away from her neighborhood.

Lillie loved her family and being far away from home she started having family celebrations on Christmas Eve which included friends of her children. Over the course of years, this celebration grew from having it at her home to moving it to the ministry mall at her church and now to renting a banquet facility.

Lillie loved to sing and in 2002 her pastor said the Lord said to ask her to bring her entire family to minister in music for the Good Friday celebration and they did. Later she was asked again to sing in 2011 for the Founder's Day Anniversary. She loved the Lord, her husband, her family and friends. She truly loved Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven". (New American Standard Bible/NASB). Lillie will truly be missed!

Lillie leaves to cherish her memory 3 daughters, Annette Rhodeman(Paul), Collette Dooley(Troy), Michelle Swinton Sulewsky(Daniel) all of Kansas City Missouri. Six sons Epps, Ronald(Paula), Jonathan (Kimberly), Christopher(Noelle) all from Kansas City, Missouri, Fred from Leawood, Kansas and Charles (Michelle) from Colorado Springs, Colorado, one brother T.M. Snow of Andrews, South Carolina, 35 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren and a host of family and friends. Graveside burial will be Thursday, April 2, 2020 and a memorial celebration will take place at a later date.

Graveside services Thursday, April 2, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Service conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.