Lillian Virginia Cox Flood

Lillian Virginia Cox Flood, Mom, was first and foremost a mother – after her husband died suddenly in 1953 she devoted her life to raising three young children by herself. While it was a difficult time, God gave her great strength, courage, and vision. Her faith in God and love for family and church was tremendous.

After graduating from High School, Lillian became a professional beautician and loved to work on women’s hair to make them beautiful. She continued to do this part time after the children were born.

Lillian was very talented, being able to play the piano and organ by ear. She loved to sing and to play Christian songs especially The Old Rugged Cross, How Great Thou Art, and Christmas Carols. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir and played the organ in church on occasion. Music and attending Sacred Heart Cathedral were very important in her life.

Lillian was very independent minded and lived by herself until she was 98. During that time, she lived at the Sir Walter Apartments, had many friends and had a parakeet named “Tweetie” that she loved very much. Tweetie was a special part of her life. When she turned 99 she could no longer live independently and went to live with her daughter, Geraldine, in Kinston, NC, where she was very happy. When she passed away this week, she was 14 days away from celebrating her 104th birthday.

In her golden years, Lillian loved to look at Christian TV and news networks, and when she could, play the organ. She used a big magnifying glass and loved to read the newspaper, the Sacred Heart Cathedral Bulletin, and the Christian materials to which she subscribed.

She especially loved and prayed to Mary and the rosary. She received the Last Rites before she passed away.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband Jerry Clifton Flood, her siblings: Minnie Ruth Tucker, Addie Lee Rideout, David Thurman Cox, Emily Roselyn Wood, James Ray Cox, and John Allen Cox, half brother and sister – Eula May Thomas and Joseph Allen Cox.

She is survived by her children: Geraldine Lillian Sandlin, Jerry Clifton Flood, Jr, David Ray Flood; grandchildren: David Michael Flood, Ashley Flood, Christopher Flood, Branden Flood, Andy Terry, Jerry Terry, Heather Habaqe ; 14 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.