Lillie Rose Manlove

Lillie Rose Hosley was born August 13, 1938, in Atlanta Georgia to the late John Hosley and Elizabeth Hosley Hope. She fell asleep in death on February 6, 2018, after a brief illness.

Lillie was educated in the public-school system of Atlanta, Georgia, and after graduation, went to Spellman College, and later transferred to Tennessee State University when her mother moved to Nashville.

Nashville became Lillie’s permanent home after marrying her late husband, William Charles Manlove Jr. on May 14, 1961. Because she was an only child, Lillie always wanted a large family, expressing this desire early in her marriage for 12 children. Three of Lillie’s children, Verdita, Jadon, and Carlos preceded her in death. However, her five remaining children – Terrinita, Reginald, Tancey, Lashelra, and Chadez, lovingly cared for her until her untimely death.

Lillie has always been about family, and one of the favorite things she enjoyed doing with her family was fishing. She usually caught the biggest fish with simple equipment. She later enjoyed the most valuable form of fishing with her family, and that was becoming a fisher of men. Lillie began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and dedicated her life in 1975. This joyous occasion was joined by the baptism of her husband, and daughter Terrinita. A few years later all of her children joined her, sharing in this life saving work. Going to meetings, into the field ministry, and attending conventions became the center of the family’s activity. She faithfully stayed true to this commission for nearly 43 years. Even during later years when her children had moved away from home, they would always come together on Monday nights for family worship.

Lillie considered being a wife, mother, and homemaker as an essential part of her married life, so she remained at home, tending to those she most loved. Lillie also wanted her children to be equipped with necessary life skills, therefore, she taught all of her children, even her boys, how to cook and sew. Her love for cooking and sewing was also shared with others within the congregation and the family. She often made clothes for young ones in new families to wear to the convention. Although her family was large, and kept her busy, she always had a part of herself to share with others.

Lillie was blessed with 2 granddaughters who shared with her 4 beautiful great grandchildren. They affectionately called her Nanny, and loved spending time with her. Her love for children was evident in the congregation and even at conventions and assemblies. The young ones would always come to her and talk with her, because they knew she cared and loved them. Older ones who grew up with her children would also always come to see her and give her big hugs. She was such a comforting woman, and a “mom’s mom”. Her family was never too large for one more to love.

Lillie leaves to cherish her precious memories, 3 devoted daughters, Terrinita, Tancey (Troy), and Lashelra, and 2 admiring sons, Reginald (Tracey), and Chadez. She is also survived by 2 granddaughters, 4 great grandchildren, and a host of spiritual family. She will definitely be missed, but we look forward to seeing her soon in Paradise.

Visitation Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with Memorial service to follow at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah`s Witnesses, 2010 23rd Avenue North with Brother George A. McKeever, Sr., officiating.