With hearts full of love and reverence, we celebrate the life and legacy of Lillie Mae Tuggle Cole, who peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on May 10, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family at her home in Columbus, Mississippi.

Born on August 22, 1947, in Columbus, MS, Lillie was the cherished daughter of the late Charlie and Laura Mae Jackson Tuggle. She was one of twelve siblings, and her life was enriched by the bonds of a large, loving family. She is survived by her dear siblings: Bobbie (Charles) Wheelis of St. Louis, Missouri; Andrew (Sadie) St. Louis, Missouri; Lonnie (Carol) Tuggle of Columbus MS. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Charlie (Lillie) Tuggle, Jr.; Mary Louise Hamilton;  Henry Lee Tuggle; Joe Lee "Doc" (Ollie Mae) Tuggle; Anthony Tuggle; Jackie Lee (Stella) Tuggle; Johnny "Byrd" (Carol) Tuggle; and Tawanda Tuggle.

Lillie Mae was a proud graduate of R.E. Hunt High School and further honed her talents at a trade school at Columbus Air Force Base. She devoted over two decades to nurturing and serving the children of Columbus City Schools as a beloved cafeteria worker and dedicated school bus driver.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Lillie Mae confessed her love for Christ at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church. In her later years, she became a devoted member of New Beginning Full Gospel Church, where she worshipped faithfully and shared her gifts in service to others. Her favorite scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13), was not just a verse, but a truth she lived by.

Lillie Mae was the proud mother of three beautiful daughters: Janice Tuggle, Cindy Henry (Reginald), and Iris Colebrook Adams. She also embraced three bonus daughters as her own, Telisa Clay Young, Stephanie Barry and Sandra Wax. Her nurturing spirit lived on in her grandchildren, Reginald Henry of Tupelo, MS, and Deja Richardson of Atlanta, GA; and great grandchildren, Addison Henry, Tylan Henry, and Reign Henry; as well as her bonus grandchildren, Cameron Cavett of Memphis, TN, and Ansalia Thomas of Columbus, MS. She was a Godmother to Teresa Dismuke (deceased) and Houston Dismuke; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins whom she loved dearly.

Her love language was cooking, and her kitchen was always filled with the aromas of soul-satisfying meals and the sounds of laughter. Known for her legendary fish fry held each October for senior citizens, Lillie Mae found joy in giving, feeding and caring for others—especially the elderly. She also expressed her creativity through sewing and tailoring, lending her talents to create homecoming dresses and custom garments with care, precision and love.

Lillie Mae had a heart big enough to hold a whole community. Whether volunteering at Trinity Nursing Home or lending her time to Fairview Baptist Church, she lived a life of selfless devotion. Her home was a sanctuary for all—a place of warmth, honesty, laughter and love. With a sharp wit and a generous heart, she could light up a room with her humor and fill it with grace through her spirit of service.

She found peace in her garden, joy in her plants and purpose in the lives she touched. A woman of great strength, unwavering faith and endless compassion, Lillie Mae Cole leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and service that will forever be cherished by those who were blessed to know her.

As we celebrate her extraordinary life, we honor her memory by living out the values she held dear: faith, family, kindness and a willingness to serve.
"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23

Carter's Funeral Services is inviting you to a scheduled livestream for the Celebration of Life of Lillie Mae Tuggle Cole Zoom
on Saturday, May 17, 2025 @ 11:00 AM CST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2061604094?pwd=5hKBLbt1GETr1roA0NKfvG2PO78gCk.1&omn=86833949493

Meeting ID: 206 160 4094
Passcode: carters