Lillian Holcomb

Lillian Louise Holcomb of Beach Park, IL was welcomed home by her Heavenly Father on April 21, 2022 at the age of 97. She passed peacefully at her home of over 50 years, with family and friends. Lillian (Louise) was born in Dorsey, MS on September 24, 1924, to Liddie and Olus Gilmore. She was married to Herman S. Holcomb, on August 16, 1941, in Tupelo, MS, who was the love of her long life. Lillian (Louise) held several roles throughout her life, big sister to Otis, High School basketball star, friend, wife, mother, homemaker, and finally Grandmother. She moved with her family to the Waukegan/Beach Park area the early 1950’S. She worked at National Press making calendars for many years. After she retired, she enjoyed taking trips with Herman, visits from their many grandchildren, feeding and watching the birds outside her kitchen window, and tending to the flowers in her many flowerbeds. Nothing brought Lillian (Louise) more joy than her family and serving the Lord. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. A new grandchild brought her so much joy; she seemed happiest when holding a grandbaby on her lap. Lillian (Louise) and Herman had a huge impact on their church community, and in 2016 the Fellowship Hall at Lakeside Community Church was renamed “Holcomb Hall” in honor of their many years of dedication and service. Even as her health declined in later years, she was still touching lives. She made her caregivers feel like part of the family and many of them also called her “Grandma.” She would start and end each day by quoting Psalm 103, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” She is survived by her two children Rebecca (Charles) Thorn and Herman Wade (Donna) Holcomb, five grandchildren: Vicki Thomas, Valerie Thorn, Sherry (Chris) Hoselton, Shelley Thorn (Pat), Rhonda (Joe) Tyriver, seven great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lillian (Louise) was preceded in death by her mother Liddie, her father Olus, her brother William O. Gilmore, and her beloved husband Herman, who was called home on May 4, 2016. Visitation will be held Wednesday April 27th at 11:00am, with funeral services following at 12:00pm at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099. Private entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1436 Kenosha Rd, Zion, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in her name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.