Lillian “Lilli” Elaine Forrester

Lillian Forrester
Lillian Forrester

Lillian (Lilli) Elaine Forrester, 65, of Amarillo, TX, passed away Tuesday morning, May 5, 2020.

Lilli was born on September 30, 1954, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Amarillo to Travis K. and Naomi R. Bailey, the second of four daughters.

Prior to marriage, Lilli attended Caprock High School in Amarillo.  In 1981, she married James D. Forrester, who predeceased her in 2006, after 25 years of marriage.

For over 35 years Lilli worked in management for assisted living and skilled nursing care.  She held local and regional management positions in Amarillo, Albuquerque, and the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area.   She was a relentless advocate for quality care and the rights of the elderly.  Her gift of a servant’s heart was evident to all the residents and their families who lived in the facilities that she managed

She is survived by her daughter, son-in-law and only grandchild, Andrea and Kenneth Rogers and daughter Naomi of Decatur, Tx; one stepson, Barry Forrester and wife Donna of Amarillo, Tx; one stepdaughter, Andrea (Sissy) Shields of New River, Az.; three sisters, Vicki Bailey, Vanessa SoRelle and husband Tom, Teresa Gates and husband John, all of Amarillo; one niece Bailey Gates of Houston, Tx; two nephews, Jonathan and Caleb Gates of Amarillo; two great-nephews and two great-nieces, Hunter, Parker, Chandler and Blake Gates, all of Amarillo. She is also survived by three brothers in law and their wives; Don and Shirley Forrester, Steve, and Theresa Forrester, and Perry and Kathy Forrester, all of Virginia and many Forrester nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews whom she loved.  Also surviving Lilli is her faithful caregiver and best friend who became like a sister, Jimmie Sneed, whose loving care greatly improved the quality of her life the past 5 years.

Although unable to attend services for the past five years after a spinal surgery left her unable to walk or leave her home, she nevertheless was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Amarillo, worshipping weekly by TV and attending Sunday School by phone.  Her favorite pastime was reading her bible.

The funeral services will be conducted by Boxwell Funeral Home, with Dr. Howard Batson of First Baptist Church-Amarillo officiating on Saturday, May 9, 2020. Interment will be in Llano Cemetery following the service.

13 Replies to “Lillian “Lilli” Elaine Forrester”

  1. Lily was one of my dearest friends the last five years but we also grew up together at East Amarillo missionary Baptist Church. We had a wonderful time there together worshiping the Lord and getting in trouble for chewing gum & talking too much! The last five years we have spent lots of time talking on the phone, reminiscing about the past, discussing the current events and looking forward to the future when we spend eternity together with our Lord. Lily was an honorary member of my small group at 1st Baptist Church of Sachse called the WOW group (women of worth.) She would ask us many times to pray for her so we put her as a permanent member of our prayer list! My group got weekly updates on Lilly and therefore, they got to know her pretty well. lilly’s desire was to walk in our WOW class one Sunday as a surprise, walking by herself, totally healed -to surprise the group! She never got to do that however four weeks ago she was able to join our WOW group on ZOOM during our devotional time on Sunday morning. Everyone got to see Lilly & each got to meet her and talk with her. She said that was one of the joys of her life! I will miss her so much my heart just aches. I ask for prayers for Andrea and Naomi and her sisters because I know they will miss her so much. But we have the assurance that one day soon we are going to spend eternity with Lily and all those who have gone before us. Lily you were very special person and you made a difference in my life -I love you very much.❤️❤️

  2. Aunt Lilli was such a comfort to me in so many ways! She was there when I needed wisdom in decision making and she was always ready to listen. My life is so much richer for having known her!
    I love you so much, Aunt Lilli ! I will miss you until the day I get to see you again in heaven!

  3. I am so grateful that you, your daughter, and family became part of our family. I’m so sorry we shared these back problems as they’re so awful. But I am so grateful your pain is gone. You will always be remembered with love for your kindness, compassion, and laughter. It has always been so amazing how alike Andrea and Kenny’s Moms were as I well know. I love you for what you brought to our lives, who you brought to our lives, and how kind you were to my son Braden. I loved talking to you. Thank you for being a big part of us! Til we meet again, fly high as the angels. You were one here. 🌹🐞🙌

  4. Lillian, we always had so much fun when we were together. I will always think of you when I hear “sweet iced tea”. I know your family welcomed you with open arms. You always had such a precious love for Jesus Christ..and it showed in your daily life. Your unwavering love for Andrea and Naomi filled your heart daily. They both love you very much.
    Rest in peace sweet lady until we meet again.

  5. My Aunt Lilly was the sweetest most
    Loving aunt anyone could ask for. She genuinely cared about those around her! She was instrumental in my childhood! I loved her voice! Her laugh, her talking and her beautiful singing voice! She will always have a special place in my heart! We were blessed for knowing her! I’m so glad she knew the Lord! I’ll see her one day in Heaven!

  6. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed. ~ the Beckham’s

  7. We will miss you Lilli, But now your with Aunt Nonie & Uncle Trav. We will all be together again someday.

  8. I heard Andrea speak of you often when we were at work together. She loved you dearly. May you Rest In Peace and watch over the families you loved.

  9. Lillian was a beloved cousin with whom I shared many childhood memories growing up in Amarillo. She was a joyful and loving person to be around and my wife, Julie and I loved her dearly. Her faith in the Lord as her Savior assures us of her place in heaven. We look forward to our reunion in heaven gathered around the Lord Jesus’ throne someday .

  10. Lynda and I loved Lilli with all our hearts. She was my surrogate sister, like all of the Bailey girls. Life-long friends, they were my ‘other’ family and musical contemporaries. I was privileged to get to sit with Lilli many times after her back surgery, sharing music, talking about the Lord and believing together that she would one day walk again. While that didn’t happen here on earth, she did take her first steps on Tuesday morning…in glory with a new body and meeting her beloved Savior face to face. We love you Lilli and will miss you more than words can express, but you are whole now and we wouldn’t wish anything less for you. Rest well, Sis…I’m so honored to have been your brother. James & Lynda Allen

  11. You will be greatly missed ..have a great journey to rejoice with the Lord ..and all your loved one ..love ya

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