Lillian Marie Spivey

“In every race, Lillian gave more than just her speed; she gave her heart, and in every mile, she ran, she left a part of herself for us to remember.” THE WARM-UP Lillian Marie Spivey was born on January 5, 1950, in Chicago to the late Elie and Lucy Mae (Carpenter) Taylor. She was affectionally known as “Marie” or “Twin” by her family and loved ones. Lillian’s birth was very unique as she was the youngest of an identical twin birth. The impact of their birth would reverberate throughout every community where they resided for the rest of their life. A STRONG START Lillian was raised in Argo, Illinois, where she graduated from Argo Community High School. Immediately after graduation, she found employment with Illinois Bell, later AT&T, where she worked for over 40 years. Lillian would often share she was one of the last core board telephone operations with the company. Lillian accepted Christ at an early age and later joined Broadview Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Clarence W. Hopson. Her relationship with Christ would prove beneficial in helping her navigate life’s difficult and joyous times. KEEP THE PACE Lillian was blessed to have a full life which included two children— the late Anthony Spivey, Jr., and Sharece Rouse, who were the light of her life. However, her greatest joy was being a proud grandmother of Anthony III and Xavier. While Lillian’s marriage to Anthony Spivey, Sr., ended in divorce, they remained devoted to co-parenting their children and grandchildren. GOING THE DISTANCE Beyond family and work, Lillian shared her passions of athleticism with her children and community. She excelled in softball, track, bowling, and racquetball, and passed that passion to her children. Lillian was a well-known volunteer with the Maywood Rockets Track Team and the Chicagoland Zephyrs Track Club, as well as an IHSA boys’ and girls’ track meet official, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and Shamrock Shuffle volunteer. Those volunteer experiences led her to become an “honorary referee” for IHSA Girls’ Track. She was also a keen television and movie enthusiast who could often be found viewing Star Trek, Disney movies, and anime—which influenced her greatnephews to like the genre—and Science Fiction in general. Lillian had many hobbies, such as sewing and photography. However, one of her most celebrated was her baking—her signature rum cakes and banana pudding were unmatched in quality and taste. FINAL LAP After running her course with excellence, the Lord allowed Lillian to complete her race on December 10, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Anthony Spivey, Jr.; brothers, Ronnie and Anthony Taylor; sisters, Wendy Thomas and Deidra Al-Mubdi; and bonus, Lillie Taylor. PERFORMANCE IMPACT In addition to their twin, Mary, Lillian leaves behind her daughter, Sharece (Kevin) Rouse; grandsons, Anthony Spivey III and Xavier Rouse; sisters, Regina Lawson (caregiver), Essie (Roy) Butler, Savannah Jefferson, Jannetta Taylor, and Sheila (Wilbert) Taylor-Thomas; brothers, Kevin Taylor and Tim Taylor; aunts, Pearline Colbert, Mildred Watson, and Clementine Delaney; and, sister-in-law Wilma Washington; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lillian will be deeply missed by all who know her. She will be remembered for her strength, her unwavering love for her family, and her kind spirit. Her love, warmth, and generosity will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

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