Lillie Belle Corley

Our Dear Mother, Lillie Belle Corley peacefully passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in her home of forty-nine years. Lillie Belle, her friends called her Lil, was born in Green Pond, South Carolina. Her family later moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she was raised with her two brothers, one sister, and extended family.

She was quite passionate about stylish clothing and accommodating accessories, which led to her career in retail. Due to strong family ties to financially help her family, she did not pursue a degree in business, in hopes of owning a boutique of her own. She chose to stay with her parents and work at popular boutiques in the city.

While working at one of the boutiques, she met her husband, Elijah David Corley, where they became united in matrimony, December 17, 1960. They built a fine life together as a military couple. After marriage, Elijah and Lillie headed to Albuquerque, New Mexico, with their new daughter, Jacqueline, to build their new life on Kirtland Air Force Base. Nine years later a new baby girl, Beth, entered their household.

As a military wife, she was involved in a bowling league, committees with other military wives, being a Girl Scout Leader, jazzercise, and Bible study.

During the early 1970s, the Corley family received orders to move to the military base of Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, for three years, and returned to Albuquerque due to Elijah making the decision to retire from the Air Force. Lillie Belle was always a stay at home mother until she had a new attitude about her life.

Lille Belle decided she would start a new career in retail, which is when she decided to begin working at The Broadway Department store, and later, Macy's. Her career spanned over 20 plus years. She was a happy lady, with a great smile eager to go to work every day. Upon enjoying her work, she truly enjoyed cooking and entertaining family and friends in her home.

Lillie is preceded in death by her parents, Seabrook and Marie Mitchell; sister, Lula Mae McKinney; and brothers, Leroy and Raymond Mitchell. She is survived by her two daughters, Jacqueline Corley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Beth Corley of Houston, Texas. There will be a Visitation at 10:00 am followed by the Funeral at 11:00 am and a reception at 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at FRENCH- Lomas. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Lillie's honor to the American Diabetes Association and/or The Alzheimer's Association. 

Lillie Belle, our beautiful mother, WE LOVE YOU DEARLY!