Lillie Mae Watkins

Lillie Mae Watkins, affectionately known as “Momzie,” was born in Oak Grove, Louisiana, to the union of Will Stevenson and Florence Walker. She was the oldest of five children. She was raised in Mississippi, and for her, it was always home—an annual destination for as long as she was able to travel. Lillie married Harry Hearvey in 1946. She moved to Chicago in 1956. She worked at the Palmer House Hotel, served as a Crossing Guard for the City of Chicago, and was among the first women hired by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) as a Bus Operator. Lillie was raised in the Christian faith and remained connected to it through various churches. She was a faithful member of Prince of Peace M.B. Church under the late Pastor W. L. Upshire, where she served for over fifty years. In 2025, led by the Holy Spirit, she joined New Zion Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor Anthony T. Coleman. She served on the Pastoral Care Committee (PCC). Lillie was a worker, volunteer, and Missionary. She was a member of Local Union 241-ATU, Windy City Temple #1133 of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, the Anna Waldrop Walker (AWW) Family Reunions–Chicago Branch, and the Galaxy Social Club. Lillie loved to travel, cook, and travel some more. The family often laughed about “Momzie’s Travel Gene”—who inherited it and who didn’t. On May 23, 2026, Momzie boarded her last train. She never took her traveling shoes off, and she bought her ticket a long time ago. So when she heard the call, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” she stepped on board. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Josh Stevenson; her sister, Mattie B. Parks; and her great-granddaughter, Adrianne Edwards-Porter. She leaves to cherish her memory two siblings: her brother, Jessie J. Rucker (Viola), and her sister, Mary Anne Hill (William); her brother-in-law, Sylvester Hearvey (Rosie); and her sister-in-law, Lucille White. She is also survived by her loving and devoted daughters, James Ella Porter and Effie D. Scott; six grandchildren: Adrian L. Porter, Jr., George E. Smith, Jr., Tonya R. Porter, Kimberley D. Marsh (Raymond), Kyesha D. Moore (Robert), and Kelley D. Moseley; twelve great-grandchildren: Shatia L. Smith, Corve’ D. Smith, Aliyia J. Smith, Nakia A. Smith, Kailah D. Moseley-Orr (Darien), Kynthia R. Lee, Cedrick J. Porter, Joseph D. Porter, Christopher D. Porter, Keyaira D. Moore, Kavel D. Moore, and Vision M. Moseley; thirteen great-great-grandchildren: Crew E. Smith, Aria Allen, Alivia Allen, Malaysia Lee, Pamela A. Clarke, Amira J. Porter, Cedrick J. Porter, Jr., Sha’Tara Porter, Rashad Porter, Gabriella Porter, Harvey Porter, Isaiah Porter, and Jalah Porter. She also leaves her Godson, Rev. Robert O. Simpson, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Lillie Mae Watkins

February 22, 1930 - May 23, 2026