Lillie Ruth Holmes Utsey was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who truly loved the Lord.

Lillie Ruth Holmes Utsey, was born November 12, 1918, the daughter of the late Percy and Lovie Joyner Holmes in Grover, SC. Lillie Ruth was the second of six children. Lillie Ruth transitioned into eternal rest with her heavenly father on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Orlando Health Hospital.

Lillie Ruth was educated in the Dorchester County School System and she worked as a cook at the Dorchester County Head Start for many years until retirement. Lillie Ruth was a lifelong member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Grover, SC. Lillie Ruth was an active member of the Missionary Board, Pastor Aide Board, Senior Choir, the Bethel Union and was a Young Adult Sunday School Teacher.

Lillie Ruth was a dedicated member of the gospel singing group The Israelite Sisters with her sisters, Annie Rell Holmes Jenkins, Francis Holmes Lemon and Bernell Holmes Heyward.

Lillie Ruth was preceded in death by three sisters, Annie Rell Holmes Jenkins, Francis Holmes Lemon and Bernell Holmes Heyward and two brothers, Bennie Holmes and Percy Holmes, Jr.

Lillie Ruth entered into Holy Matrimony with Buster Utsey (who preceded her in death) on May 22, 1937. From this union six children were born, three who preceded her in death, two sons, TJ Utsey and Horace Utsey and one daughter, Lovenia Utsey.

Lillie Ruth leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Annie Utsey Owens of Orlando, FL, Clay Utsey Kellam of Winter Haven, FL and one son, John (Willie Mae) Utsey of Grover, SC, twelve grandchildren, eighteen great grand children and a host of great, great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.