Lillie May Bruner was born on April 14, 1938 in Vian, OK, the firstborn of six children to Charles Drew and Edith Maylee Williams.  At the age of 13, Lillie and her family, all raised in a churchgoing household, moved to Tulsa, OK where she resided until her passing.  Lillie married Edward Lee Barnett at 18, and by 20, they were a young family with four children: Kathleen, James, Kenneth Sr., and Marilyn Barnett.

In 1961, Lillie married Leonard Bruner.  Shortly after their marriage, the Bruner family joined St. Paul Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor A.D. Jackson.  Lillie’s faith blossomed within the church community.  She became a cornerstone member, actively involved in various roles such as Sunday School teacher, choir member, President of the Usher Board and Hospitality Board.

Lillie was a devoted mother and a skilled housekeeper who found joy in nurturing both her family and the homes she cared for.  Beyond her work, Lillie found joy in expressing her creativity through sewing and cooking.  Her delicious meals and expertly crafted garments were a testament to her love and a source of comfort for all who knew her.

Lillie’s warmth and generosity extended beyond her family and church.  She gained many connections and a host of close friends throughout her life.  Her compassionate spirit also led her to become a firm believer in helping those in need, and she regularly donated to different organizations.  Despite facing chronic back pain throughout her life, Lillie’s devotion to God never wavered.  In 2019, even when unable to attend services in person under the leadership of Elder Mack Franklin, her faith remained steadfast. 

Lillie passed on February 25, 2024.  She leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: her sister, Savannah Isacc; brother, David Drew; daughter, Kathleen Barnett-Wyatt; three grandchildren, Kenneth Barnett, Jr., Mario Shaw, and Arunn Barnett; eleven great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other dear family and friends.

Lillie is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Drew and Edith Maylee Williams; sons, James Barnett and Kenneth Barnett, Sr.; daughter, Marilyn Barnett; grandson, LaTwuan Clayton; sisters Dora Deville and Elsina Riggins; and brother, Robert Drew.

The family will forever miss her for everything she’s done for them.

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