Atha Lillian Stovall

Lillian Miller Bryant Stovall (5 Aug 1919 – 21 Sep 2018) was born in Woodland, Georgia the daughter of George Davis Miller and Atha Lena Harden. Raised in this small rural Georgia town with her siblings Thelma Tuttle, Ermie Russell, Morrison T. Miller, Carolyn Youngblood and twin sister Lucille, Lillian played basketball, picked peaches in her father’s orchards and developed the character and strength she displayed throughout her life.

Shortly after graduating High School, Lillian moved to Smyrna, Georgia to live with her sister Thelma Tuttle while attending business school in Atlanta, riding the streetcar to school. Before she graduated, her skills were already being recognized and she was encouraged to accept a position with Lee Carpet where she worked for a number of years.

Lillian met her husband C.A. “Gus” Bryant on a blind date. They married in 1941. Lillian continued to work and moved to a rooming house in West End as WWII began and Gus was assigned to serve with the Army Post Office. Gus continued to work for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 30 years. After the war, they moved to the East Lake area of Atlanta and there had sons Thomas M. Bryant, 1951, and William D. Bryant, 1953. Once the children were born, Lillian began her favorite career as a caring mother and homemaker.

Lillian and Gus had a full life raising the family, learning and teaching square dancing and supporting their church. Lillian served in several Methodist Women’s organizations as a member and officer, worked on many church projects and programs and met lifelong friends along the way. From Meals on Wheels to working at the election polls, Lillian had a strong sense of community and social responsibility. During this time they lived in Atlanta, Macon, Arlington Virginia and Tucker.

Life was not always easy. Her twin Lucille died at a young age and her brother ‘Toby’ was killed in a car accident shortly after the war. Later she lost her son Tommy and husband Gus prematurely. In typical manner she accepted the realities, grieved and move forward demonstrating inner strength and faith.

Lillian married again in 1986 to Phillip Spence Stovall and added his daughter, Mary, and son, Phillip, to her family. Spence passed in 2005 and Lillian lived in their Tucker, Georgia, home for many years while attending Mt. Carmel Christian Church and enjoying her favorite residence.

Throughout her life Lillian met friends that she sustained for many years. Her Canasta group first met in the 70’s and were still gathering well into the new century. No matter the distance or time, she made the effort to stay connected and to keep the many relationships she valued so much.

Lillian is survived by her son, William D. Bryant (Margaret), grandchildren William A. Bryant (Kim), Jennifer L. Bryant, David A. Bryant (Sara) and Austin L. Bryant; Step-daughter Mary Stovall Ritter (Larry) and her children Michael Ritter (Stacey), Jill Lindberg (Luke), and Brad Ritter (Jenny); and the children of step-son Phillip S. Stovall, jr (deceased), Stephanie Stone (Brian), Shawn Stovall (Lynn) , and Kyle Stovall; plus 15 great-grandchildren - two of which honor her name.