Greer, SC

Lillie Nesbitt Wilkes is the daughter of the late Grace Bious Gregory and John Wesley Gregory, and the wife of the late Jessie (Jess) Wilkes. She was affectionately called Lillie Mae and Lillie. She loved God and she loved life. Lillie attended the public schools of Greenville County. As a young girl she met her first husband, Calvin Eugene "Nupe" Nesbitt. Some years later, they married and to this union, seven children were born.

Lillie joined Maple Creek Baptist Church at an early age. More than four decades ago, under the leadership of Reverend F.S. Jones, and with the encouragement of the young adults and youth of the church, she organized the talented Jones Gospel Singers. She continued to work diligently and faithfully at Maple until her spirit stirred her to move her membership to Beulah Christian Fellowship Church.

Lillie worked as a dietician in the Greenville County school system until she retired having last served in that capacity at Southside High School. She had many loves- family, people, shopping, gardening and playing Bid Whist, but her greatest love was for the Lord with him she has now found her sweet rest.

Lillie left behind five generations of family. She is survived by her nine children, Phyllis Fowler (Ray), Clark Nesbitt, Gwendolyn Nesbitt, James W. Nesbitt (Blondell), Teresa Cosby, Tonia Martin, Ronnie Nesbitt, Tracie Stafford, Melissa Grant and Leonard Johnson. Siblings, James W. Gregory (Martha), Margarett G. Turner, Everett Gregory (Thomascene), Alvin (Mammie) Gregory, Johnny M. Gregory (Mattie), and Robert Gregory (Valerie), sister-in-law, Queen Elizabeth Nesbitt, seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Danny Smith, Lillie's special friend worked in the home providing her with comfort, love, and care. The family is indebted to him.

Funeral service will be Thursday, August 2, 2018 2:00 PM at Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church with a visitation from 1:00 until hour of service and burial in the church cemetery.