Life Reflections

On Saturday, November 30, 2024, Lillie Ann Elais Giddens transitioned to her eternal rest with her husband at her side.  A resident of Salisbury, Maryland, Lillie was born on June 27, 1951, in Seale, Alabama to the late Willie and Sarah Elias. After graduating from Chavala High School in June 1969, Lillie enrolled at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. After a summer visit in 1970 with her sister Mable and brother-in-law Robert in Hebron, Maryland, she made the decision to transfer to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). It was also during that time when she met the love of her life, Anthony (Tony) Giddens. A little over a year later, she accepted Anthony's marriage invitation and became his beloved wife on December 24, 1971.

After graduating from UMES in May 1973, Lillie became an instructor of social studies at Bennett Junior High School. Excelling in the field of childhood education, she was selected to be the Vice Principal at Pinehurst Elementary School. She later transferred to North Salisbury Elementary School as Vice Principal and then continued to West Salisbury Elementary, East Salisbury, and Wicomico Middle School where she served as the Principal at all three locations. During this time, Lille continued her education, graduating with a Master of Education from the Salisbury University. Lille continued in Childhood Education Administration, becoming the Principal of Glenn Avenue Elementary School, where she retired after 45 years of dedicated service to the Wicomico County School System. The capstone of Lillie's work in education was guided by a quote, "Even in the midst of our worst struggles, our forefathers knew that part of our advancement and growth began with a sound education." She was also employed at the former Hecht Company in Salisbury as an associate. Lillie perfected her skills in decorating & gift wrapping while employed there.

While compassion for children and love of family were paramount in her life, Lillie was also dedicated to public and community service. These activities could be seen as part of her membership in numerous organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Alpha Omicron Chapter and the Delta Omicron Chapter), the Eastern Star (Naomi Chapter #16 OES), and her home church, St. Luke United Methodist Church (Hebron), where she served in many capacities. Her contributions to St. Luke included serving as Treasurer for over 30 plus years, a Member of the Finance Committee, Women in Faith, Laity Leadership, and Chair of the Decorating Committee. Lillie was a highly respected member of her community, the UMES Tri-County Alumni Association, and a valued member of the Peninsula Delaware Conference Lower Shore District Committee on Ordained Ministry.

Notable awards and recognitions of Lillie include:  a proclamation from the County Council of Wicomico County in 1989; a resolution from Maryland House of Delegates for contributions and service to Wicomico County in 1989; recognition for Unparalleled Leadership from East Salisbury School; Mary Gladys Jones Excellence Award by the Spirit Foundation in 2019 (an Arm of AKA Sorority, Inc. Delta Sigma Omega Chapter); DSO Silver Star Soror of the Year Award in 2021.

Lillie loved to sponsor activities at church and decorating much so that she created a Decorating Committee. She enjoyed raising flowers and Christmas decorations at church and especially at her home.

Lillie is survived by her husband, Anthony (Tony) Giddens of Salisbury, Maryland, 4 sisters: Rosie Mae Thompson of Gambrills, Maryland; Betty (Leris Phillips) Elais of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Wannetta (George) Golden of Phenix City, Alabama; and Sandra (Willie) Puckett of Hurtsboro, Alabama; 5 Brothers: William (Amy) Nickerson of Miami, Florida; John (Quanda) Nickerson of Columbus, Georgia; Luvern "Joe" (Ginger) Nickerson of Albany, Georgia; Frederick (Ted) Nickerson of Seale, Alabama and Scott Nickerson of Seale, Alabama; 5 brothers-in-laws: Lawson Walker, Oxon Hill, Maryland, Robert Horsey, Salisbury, John Giddens, Eric Giddens and Ronald (Julia) Giddens; 1 sister-in-law: Roselyn Roberts; 2 aunts: Beulah Nutter and Helen Allen and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, father and mother, Willie and Sarah Elias; 5 aunts: Bertha Alexandra, Eva Mae Johnson, Sarah Bellamy, Bridie Miles and Mamie Bellamy; 3 sisters: Mable Horsey, Willie Ann Walker, and Susie Thomas; 2 brothers: James Elias and Charlie Elias, mother and father in-law, John Giddens, Jr. and Dorene Giddens; one sister-in-law Yvonne Giddens-Wilbekin and one nephew, Kent Horsey.

Burial Ritual Ceremonies

AKA Sorority          10 to 10:30 a.m.

Eastern Star           10:30 to 11:00 a.m.