Lillie Bell Harper Floyd is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi; born January 9, 1924 to the late Madison and Beatrice Smith Harper. She was the fifth child of seven born to this union and was the sole survivor of her generation. Lillie, better known to many as "Bill" or "Ma Dear", married Clyde Floyd on June 13, 1942 and to this union was born eight children and one adopted grandchild. She enjoyed a blissful marriage of 59 years, especially watching Clyde play baseball over the years. It was an empty void left for her in April 2001, when the Lord called Clyde home, but she still maintained an active life by participating in church activities at Mount Bethel Baptist Church, where she confessed Christ at an early age. While at Mount Bethel Baptist Church, she was often found attending faithfully for over 70years under the leadership of the late Rev. T.B. Brown, the late Rev. W.T. Guice, the late Rev. Eugene Dew, Rev. John Williams, Jr., and Rev. J.C.Wilks.

Lillie was active in her community by participating in the

Neighborhood Watch Program for many years. She also worked a few years at the East Junior High School as a cafeteria helper. She spent many years working in private home cleaning and also retired from the Hancock Bank, Downtown Gulfport after 20 years of custodial service.

Due to her failing health, she relocated to Woodbine, Georgia

in 2015, and was under watch care of the Rev. (Dr.) Debbie E. Travis(daughter) of the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Brunswick, Georgia. Her presence was very much felt by all those she came into contact with, especially the attention she received from all who came to fellowship with her after service and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She could often be seen clapping her hands and patting her feet whenever there was singing in the church. She attended Sunday School and Bible Study regularly. She also attended The Ralph Bunch Senior Center until her health failed. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; grandparents; brothers and a sister; one grandchild; three sons, "BabyFloyd", Melvin "Deena" and Milton "Jack" Floyd.

Lillie leaves to honor her legacy and memory: two sons, Henry

E. (Denise) Floyd, of Gulfport, MS and Eric C. (Clara) Floyd of Nolanville, TX; four daughters, Mildred C. Keyes of Gulfport, MS; Myrtle B.(William) Franklin of Hephzibah, GA; Rev. Debbie E. (Elder Eric) Travis of Woodbine, GA; and Ingrid J. (Bruce) Peyton of Louisville, KY; a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-greatgrandchildren and special friendships she developed over the years.

As a courtesy, the family has provided virtual attendance. Please follow the link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86767593781?pwd=Q0twTGlna1puOS9IVjF1VXhWQzFtQT09

Meeting ID: 867 6759 3781

Passcode: LOCKETT (ALL UPPERCASE)