Lillie Mae Blanding, 80, of Hopewell, VA, entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 27, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family. Born on September 18, 1945, to Ester Hyman and stepfather, James Hyman, Lillie lived a life full of rhythm, resilience, and joy. She was preceded in passing by her beloved sister, Beula Lockhart, grandson, Kelvin Delaney Jr., and great-granddaughter, AHonor Blanding.

Educated in the Petersburg and Prince George Public School System, Lillie Mae was a woman of many endless hustle. Her career path took her through Dupont, Hewlett- Packard, Precon, Days Inn, and the Defense Logistics Agency (Bellwood), where she left behind not just hard work, but memories and lasting friendships.

Lillie Mae's true legacy was her spirit. She had a zest for life that was contagious—whether she was grooving to her favorite "oldies but goodies," belting out a soulful tune in her soft spoken tone, or lighting up the room with her laughter. She was the heartbeat of every family gathering.

She leaves behind husband, George Lee Blanding Hopewell, VA, and a beautiful legacy of six children, Joanne Lockhart-Lyons (Eddie) of Winston-Salem, NC, James Lockhart and Charles Lockhart of Hopewell, VA, Cynthia Delaney (Kelvin) of Manassas, VA, Facilla Blanding and Fatisha Blanding of Hopewell, VA. Her legacy continues through nineteen grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Lillie Mae also leaves behind her treasured aunt, Ruby Kerney of Franklinton, NC; her devoted niece, Yolonda Wilson (Shon) of Stafford, VA; and a circle of friends who became family, Gray Hill, Randy Lewis, Robert Dodson, Ricky Thomas, Clarise Morse all of Hopewell,VA and Maxzine Harris of Chesterfield, VA; her cousin, Ester Massenburg; bonus daughter, Andria Savannah, and devoted grandchildren, Shalanda Blanding, Jahnahe Rogers, Jasma Bailey, Kamaia Priest and Natasha Lockhart will forever hold her close. She is also survived by four nieces, three nephews, and a host of cousins and extended family who will continue to share her stories, her songs, and her spirit.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to ASG Hospice and the compassionate nursing staff at Johnston-Willis Hospital in Richmond, VA, for their care and kindness during Lillie Mae's final days. Lillie Mae Blanding was more than a name-she was our matriarch and her life was a
song worth singing, and her memory will forever be the chorus in the hearts of those who loved her.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, October 10, 2025, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor, Reverend Rosezine Wallace, eulogist and Pastor Wade Wallace, officiant.  The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.