Lillie "Mill" Warren

Lillie Warren was a wonderful blessing to her family. She enriched their lives simply by being the loving and caring woman that she was. Her kind and delightful ways only convey a glimpse into the window of her lovable heart that she so freely gave to her family, especially to her grandchildren. Although life for Lillie was not always easy, she persevered with the very love of family whom she treasured above all. She will be sadly missed and forever remembered. Life for Joseph and Eleanor (Tucker) Warren in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was often a struggle as they raised their bustling household of ten children. Even so, the family was close and worked together to make ends meet. Joseph labored as a copper miner to support his family while Eleanor stayed home to look after the children. The years following World War I gave many hope, and the American dream was truly being discovered. In time, the family packed up and moved to Port Huron, Michigan when Joseph took a job with the Grand Trunk Railroad. It was during the roaring twenties, and the sweet sound of jazz and Babe Ruth baseball was all the rage. Walter P. Chrysler had just introduced his auto firm while many communities across the nation were booming. Not only was America was experiencing a time of rapid growth, but the Warren household was undergoing a time of growth as well when the number of their children came to include the welcoming birth of their eleventh child, a beautiful little baby girl they named Lillie on November 21, 1921. Little Lillie, or Mill as she was often called, was surely the sparkle in her parents eyes but was a joy to her entire family. Her siblings Myrtle, Bessie, Gladys, Joseph, Edmond, Henry, Garfield, Thomas, James and Leonard welcomed her with outstretched arms. With their family now complete, the Warrens continued to share many wonderful memories together and remained close throughout their growing up years. Of course, as the baby of the family, Lillie was often spoiled, but her family enjoyed the simple things in life. Just being together proved to be a fun and memorable time for all. The close bond she shared with her family during her childhood formed Lillies heartfelt perception of loving family ties that were so characteristic throughout her life. During her educational years, Lillie attended the local schools and shared lasting friendships. Times were difficult over the course of the Great Depression as many young people left school in search of work. However, Lillie pressed forward and later graduated from Port Huron High School, becoming the only one in her family to do so. After high school Lillie found employment at various jobs. For a while she worked in an office, and was even employed as a hairdresser. She also took on several house cleaning jobs. Nothing compared to Lillies joy when she was blessed with children of her own. When Carol and James came along, Lillie poured her heart and soul into their upbringing. Self-reliant and a hard worker, Lillie made her children her lifelong devotion. Great memories were shared taking the train to visit relatives in Muskegon, Michigan. They often stayed with Lillies sister, Myrtle. In time Lillie and James moved to the Detroit area while her daughter Carol stayed on in Muskegon. When Lillie contracted tuberculosis, James was only three years old, so he joined his older sister at their Aunt Myrtles. Lillies sister cared for the children over the next three years while Lillie was placed in a TB Sanitarium. These years were difficult for Lillie, not only with her illness, but by the mere fact that she was separated from her beloved children. After Lillie recovered in 1959, she moved to Muskegon so she and the children could remain close to family. Many of her siblings had moved to the area, and they frequently enjoyed taking trips to the Upper Peninsula together. Lillie also found enjoyment going to her son James baseball games and became his number one fan. With a love for the Detroit Tigers, Lillie followed their games and right up to the end, she was sure to ask how they were doing. With her children now grown, the true delight of Lillies life was found in the love she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lovingly made hand sewn quilts and crocheted many blankets for them over the years. With seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, she kept pretty busy at it, too. Her talent for sewing also came in handy, and her homemade UP pasties were the best. Lillie was a wonderful grandma and babysat at every opportunity. Each of the grandchildren have fond memories of their special relationship with her, especially her special way of rubbing out their growing pains. Lillie warmly poured her love and time into the children, often playing or reading to them. One day while babysitting, one of the children nicknamed Lillie Grandma Goose, and it stuck. From then on, she was adoringly known as Grandma Goose. She was also dedicated in attending each of her grandchildrens sporting events. As the years began to take their toll on Lillie, so did a few health issues. Sadly, at the age of 88, Ms Lillie Mill Warren died on Monday, November 30, 2009. Her love and devotion will be cherished in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Lillie is survived by her son, James (Bonita) McEachen, and daughter, Carol (Carlton) Gilbert, both of Muskegon; seven beloved grandchildren and nine adoring great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and seven brothers. A service to celebrate Lillies life will take place on Friday, December 4, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon. Friends may visit with her family on Thursday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of Muskegon County. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or to sign her online guest book.