Lillian Lineberry Bedford, faithful wife and much loved mother, died Sunday, April 11, 2010. She was born March 1, 1924 in Aberdeen, North Carolina, the 4th of 9 children to Almira and James A. Lineberry. Her early childhood was spent there, where her father had a clothing store, and the candy treat from him after school was a delight looked forward to. When the Depression struck, the family moved to the farm in Raleigh and weathered the economy there, a close and loving group. She worked her way through Meredith College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree with a major in chemistry before dedicating her life to her husband and children. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 58 years, Cecil Raymond Bedford who preceded her in death. Also preceding her were a brother, Allan Roy Dafoe Lineberry and a brother-in-law, Marvin Bedford. What a reunion there must have been in Heaven last Sunday! Lillian was a dedicated mother to 5 children: Barbara, Georgia, Robert, Gloria and Phyllis. She drove countless miles taking them to school, church, football practice, band practice, Campfire and Girl Scout meetings and outings as well as yearly trips to Long Beach, North Carolina. She always put her family first and no task was too much if it benefited her children, even when it meant becoming a Girl Scout troop leader. Lillian was a lifelong Baptist and her faith was supremely important in her life. She was a member of Candler Park Baptist Church for more than 50 years where she taught Sunday School and was active in the WMU and community outreach programs there. She recently transferred her membership to Druid Hills Baptist Church. Lillian is survived by her children: Barbara Byrd, Georgia Bedford, Robert Bedford and his wife, Priscilla, Gloria Wagner and her husband, William, and Phyllis Bedford. She was blessed with 5 beloved grandchildren: Scott Boone, John Boone, Courtney Wagner, Sandy Byrd and Janessa Byrd. More of God’s blessings came in the form of great-grandchildren: Brad, Amanda, Sophie, Harrison and Ariel. Lillian was fortunate enough to have many other loving family members: 5 sisters, 3 brothers and scores of nieces and nephews. She loved many and was loved by many. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Druid Hills Baptist Church. Inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Smile Train, a cause close to her heart. The family will receive guests on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 PM at A.S. Turner and Sons, 2773 N. Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA.
