Lillian Burns Jackson

Mother Lillian Burns Jackson was born on March 2, 1937, in Hendersonville, South Carolina, to the late Eddie and Lottie Burns. She was the third of seven children in a loving and close-knit family.

Lillian was educated in the public schools of Colleton County. In her early years, she married Luther Harold Warren, and from this union, one beloved son, Gene Warren, was born.

In 1956, Lillian relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, where she would reside for the next 40 years. During her time there, she became affectionately known as “Diamond Lil.” She worked for many years as a telephone operator with New Jersey Bell Telephone Company and later retired in 1990 from Newport Mall in Jersey City.

Lillian married Herman Benjamin Jackson in 1973. They shared nearly two decades together until his passing in 1992. In 1993, she returned to her hometown of Hendersonville, South Carolina, and later moved in with her son in 2007, where she remained until her passing.

A woman of deep faith and community, Lillian joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church in 2008 under the leadership of the late Pastor Wayne G. Carter. She was an active and dedicated member until her health declined.

Lillian found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved cooking and took pride in tending her vegetable garden. Her warmth, wisdom, and strong spirit were a blessing to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Jackson; her parents, Eddie and Lottie Burns; her siblings, Lethonia Burns, Robert Lee Burns, Matthew Burns, and Anna Lee Levant.

Lillian leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted son, Gene Warren of Walterboro, SC; her granddaughter, Kyiesha McLemore (Cyell) of Chicago, IL; three great-granddaughters, Nia Tillery (Robert), Hanna Kiana, and Ashley McLemore all of Chicago, IL; one great-great-granddaughter, Robin of Chicago, IL; one brother, Willie Burns of Hendersonville, SC; one brother-in-law, Arthur Levant of Hendersonville, SC; sister-in-law Patricia Johnson; a special cousin she helped raise, Blanche Green of Newport News, VA; and two excellent and faithful caregivers Betty Moody and Stephanie Moody. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Her love, strength, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian Burns Jackson, please visit our floral store.