Mrs. Lillian Dennis Delaney Edney

March 21, 1925 - January 31, 2022

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant Lillian. Lillian Delaney Edney was born in Columbia, South Carolina on 21 March 1925 to parents Will Dennis and Essie Delaney. She was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism in November of 1965 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, was confirmed in the Christian faith and was fed the life-giving body and blood of Jesus. She was united in holy marriage to Willie Edney, Sr. on 22 March 1946. On Monday, 31 January 2022, God called Lillian home to heaven. She is survived by her three children, Willie L. (Pamela A.) Edney, Cynthia K. Edney, and Athena E. Davis; her grandchildren Kaetrena Davis (Brenton) Kendrick, Kaetina (C.J.) Caminero, Chrystal L. Edney, and Dana N. Edney; her great-grandson Ethan Jonathan Kendrick, a bonus daughter, Rebecca Edney, and many cousins and other family friends and caregivers. Lillian was a proponent of independence and purpose, the pursuit of education, and the realization of justice. She worked successfully in several industries, including domestic work and cosmetology, before settling on allied health, retiring from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health after almost twenty years of service. As she clarified her work-life, she also raised three children, emphasizing to them the importance of higher education. She met her goal, seeing all children graduate from Benedict College and various advanced degree programs, all becoming career educators in school districts in the Midlands area. Lillian was a direct witness and active participant in South Carolina history. In 1946, when George A. Elmore voted in the South Carolina Democratic Primary and faced significant retaliation, she took in Elmore’s children, ensuring their stability and care during and after the subsequent Elmore v. Rice court case and successful outcome, which ensured African Americans the right to access fair voting and elections in South Carolina and the United States. Lillian’s favorite foods were sweet tea, toast with honey, and coconut cake. She enjoyed feeding and cooking for her family in general and baking her famous Sock-It-To-Me cake, autumn fruitcake, and pound cake. She liked classical and jazz music, and her favorite place to travel was the beach (she really liked Myrtle Beach and Fripp Island). She also enjoyed traveling to the West Coast to visit her siblings and extended family. In addition to being a living example of commitment to family and community service, Lillian’s most important lessons include: • Be prepared (“Time waits for no man.”) • Do not allow others to dictate your abilities for or to you (“You are beautiful and smart. You can do whatever you put your mind to.”) • Use your mind to its highest capabilities (“Use your head for more than a hat rack.”) • Do not let others ruin your plans (“One monkey doesn’t stop a show.”) Through her significant life and efforts, Lillian leaves a legacy of humanity, empathy, and love. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our sister Lillian.