Lillian Keebler Ferguson

Lillian Victoria Keebler Ferguson, 98, of Hixson, Tennessee, left this earthly life on August 26, 2023, to dwell forever in the bright glory of Heaven. She joins loved ones who passed before her, including parents Eula and Boyd A. Keebler, sister Betty Jean Keebler Ferguson, aunts and uncles who helped raise her, and her loving husband of 76 years, Roy Lee Ferguson. She is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Ferguson and Sandra (Milton) Cavender, who will forever cherish and honor the life and works of their mother. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also remain to hold her memory dear in their hearts.

Born in Chattanooga in 1925. Lillian lived all her life in the area, never desiring to leave the tight-knit community she grew up in. She attended Red Bank High School, graduated in 1943, and soon after married the boy next door, her forever love, Roy. She was a supportive Navy wife while Roy served his country during WW11, transitioning to roles of mother and working woman as the war wound down. Putting family, community, and her Christian faith first, Lillian served them all with her many talents. She was an expert seamstress, fashioning clothes for her daughters and herself; she was a good cook and even better baker, putting out delicious cakes, pies and cookies that she soon became famous for (even winning 2nd prize at the county fair for her apple pie at the age of 85); and she was a talented pianist, playing in church and directing the choir at Ashland Terrace Christian Church, where she was a member for over sixty years. After her retirement from Railway Express Agency in the 1970s Lillian continued a life of generous service. It seems she never rested, always on the lookout for a way to enrich the lives of those she loved. She mailed cards to the sick, called the lonely, prepared the church bulletin on a rickety old electric typewriter, and helped organize church events. Always, Lillian gave more than she ever asked for.

Lillian’s home was a reflection of her sweet spirit. Any visitor could immediately spot two of her loves, animals and gardens. Happy dogs with wagging tails could pop up here and there, and her yard was always filled with a bounty of plants and flowers, with the pungent scent of lilacs and roses filling the air in the spring. Gardening was a year-round passion and on warm summer evenings, she could often be found outside in the dusk of evening caring for the plants that skirted her yard. All glory was quietly given to God for the plants and animals, for Lillian saw her small plot as part of the divine order of things.

We will miss Lillian--wife, mother, and friend. A virtuous, kind, and good-hearted woman, her like does not come this way often. When she left this earthly world behind and entered through the brilliant Gates of Heaven, she surely heard Roy say, “I got here first. I’ve been waiting for you.” Lillian would have run to his side, saying, “I had a few more things to do. I’m here now, Darling.”

May God keep Lillian and her loved ones in eternal peace, bliss, and glory

Celebration of Life service will be 11:30 am Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com.