Mary Lillian Gass

Mary Lillian (Kee) Gass, was born and raised in Lawndale, NC to Marshall and Mary Lizzie Kee. Lillian was the 15th child and the last survivor of 17, born to this union.

Lillian and the late Robert Gass relocated to Roselle, NJ, and were blessed with 3 children. They became members of Guiding Star Holiness Church.  Later she became a member of New Hope Memorial Baptist Church (Elizabeth, NJ), where she served faithfully in different areas and positions. She was also crowned “New Hopes Queen.”

Lillian loved hosting family and friends. Her heart and her doors were always opened to help others in their time of need.  Lillian gave everyone she encountered, a special nickname. She was known for uplifting people, joking around, and being clever at giving sound advice without judgment.  

Over the years she was employed by several companies in the surrounding areas. The later few being Champain-Citron & Clark and Schering-Plough. Prior to retiring, she worked as a caregiver.

Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Marshall and Mary Lizzie Kee, husband Robert Gass, siblings, Eva Phelps, Christine Gober, Johnnie George, Marion Wray, Josie Hector, Marshall Kee Jr, Pauline Kee, Irene Kelch, Mildred Calhoun, Lou Berne Patterson, Clara B Kee, Thomas Kee Sr., Jackaline Kee, Charles Kee, son Willie Dean Gass and son in law Arthur Williams.

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Williams of Shelby NC, son Robert Jr (Aleisha Marie) of Roselle NJ, brother-in-law Jerome Gass Jr. (Madeline), sister-in-law Sarah Kee, a special niece JoAnn Campbell and friend James Brookes. 

Lillian has 9 grandchildren, 25 great-grands, 2 great-great grands, a host of adopted children, grandchildren, beloved nieces, nephews, and friends that appreciated and were influenced by her.

Lillian, also known as Nana, Grandma, Mama Gass, Diamond Lil, and Ms. Gass will truly be missed. 

 A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 9:30 am at New Hope Memorial Baptist Church 91 Division Street Elizabeth, NJ. Visitation 8:30am until time of service. Arrangements are in the loving care of the Nesbitt Funeral Home 165 Madison Avenue Elizabeth, NJ.

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