Lillie was born May 2, 1929, in Harrisonville, Missouri to John Edward and Georgia May (Carpenter) Gray.
She resided in Pleasant Hill, Missouri for many years. She married her husband, Jack Searcy, in October 1947. He preceded her in death on September 4, 2001. Soon after getting married, Lillie and Jack started a family. They had five children together. Soon after, they moved to Raytown, Missouri. Lillie had various jobs but was a homemaker for most of her adult life. Together, Lillie and Jack enjoyed being the camp host and hostess at Perry State Park in Kansas for 17 years. They would spend their summers camping and making numerous friends and, in the winter, would live on the farm of their daughter, Cindy.
Lillie was known as a wonderful cook and enjoyed making meals for family and friends. She was creative and would make a variety of crafts for those she loved. Many people will continue to cherish the crocheted blankets, knitted stocking caps, quilts, stuffed animals, jewelry, and ornaments that she loved to make. Lillie had a green thumb. She loved to tend her plants and had a knack for growing them. She especially liked African Violets. She loved gospel music and going to dances with friends. She was a social butterfly and never met a stranger.
Lillie is survived by a son, Jack (Pam) Searcy of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, a daughter, Linda (Ed) Smith of Reed Springs, Missouri, daughter in law, Carol Searcy of Raytown, Missouri, a brother, Lawrence Gray of Fair Grove, Missouri, grandchildren, Tony and Pete Searcy, David Searcy, Stephen Hall, Jacki (Jimmy) Worthington, Amy (Bobby) Carroll, Jessica Cobb, Mathew Bergman, Angela Imperiale and Paul (Janelle) Harris. She also has many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members that will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Searcy, daughters, Cindy (Steve) Hall, and Joyce (Bob) Imperiale, son, Herb Searcy, four siblings, Thomas, Perry, and Mary, and three grandchildren, Michael Searcy, Benny Imperiale, and Jeff Cobb.
Lillie’s family would like to thank the staff at Saint Luke’s East hospital for the wonderfully loving care they provided during her final days.
A visitation for Lillie will be held Monday, May 1, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133. A funeral service will occur Monday, May 1, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133. A graveside service will occur Monday, May 1, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133.
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