Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Lillian Carella Wade, 97, Sandusky, departed this life peacefully in her sleep at Erie County Care Facility to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 19, 2011.
Lillian was fondly known as "Sugar Mama" at the facility where she resided for 9 years, and had an infectious smile and sense humor that would light up any room and brought great joy to others. She was born on February 2, 1914 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She moved to Sandusky, Ohio, with her parents at an early age, and she graduated from Sandusky High School in 1933 with honors. While attending Sandusky High School, she competed in several sports including basketball, volleyball, baseball, and field hockey - winning championships in all of them. Upon graduation from high school, Lillian attended Wilberforce University, where she majored in Physical Education and graduated with honors. While attending the university, she took a couple of semesters off to play professional basketball with the Chicago Roamer girls' basketball team to pay for her college tuition. She traveled all over the United States playing professional basketball and is considered to be one of Sandusky, Ohio's first professional basketball players.
Lillian moved to Washington D.C. and worked for the U.S. Government during World War II. After the war was over, she moved back to Sandusky where she was employed by Philco Radio Corp, Erie Army Depot, and Erie Metropolitan Housing. She retired from Erie Metropolitan Housing in 1983. She decided retirement wasn't for her just yet and returned to the workforce, working for MRDD until finally retiring in her eighties.
Lillian was a devoted member of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church where she was the oldest living member and she served on several ministries. She loved fishing, writing poetry, collecting miniatures, putting together puzzles, watching all sports, eating Lee's Chicken and mostly being a Grandmother.
She is survived by her daughter, Shelley (Joseph) Wade Allen; granddaughter, Capt. Shellece Hankerson-Jones, USAF, Retired; great-grandson, Corey Hankerson, Jr.; special daughters, Karen Churchwell and Lorraine Jackson; and special friends, Thelma and Reuben Sharpe.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ransom and Hannah (Davis) Wade; brother, Lonnie; and granddaughter, Tiara J. Allen.
There will be no viewing at the request of the deceased. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, 312 Neil St., Sandusky, on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 5:00 P.M. with a repast immediately following services at the church. Pastor Barbara Huston and Rev. Thomas Darden, Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Erie County Care Facility, 3916 E Perkins Ave., Huron, Ohio, 44839. The family wishes to expresses their great gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Erie County Care Facility for their care and concern for Lillian during her 9 years of residency at the Facility.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.toftfh.com.
