Oberlin-Barbara Sonnier Lilly (Tissy Bug) left this world for a distant shore on May 15, 2014. Leaving behind to mourn her going are two sons, Kristopher Dean Lilly and wife, Tina, of Florence, SC and Kory Shea Lilly of York, SC; two brothers, Jack A. Sonnier of Silverthorn, FL and Nathan Sonnier of Jennings; and, one sister, Brenda S. Byrd of Oberlin. Barbara was preceded in death by one son, Chad Spurgeon and her parents, J.Y. and Lois Sonnier.
Barbara was born and raised in Oberlin and spent the last 20 years of her life here. She was a familiar figure riding the side streets of Oberlin in her golf cart, visiting neighborhood friends and family and tending to her beloved cats. In her younger years, Barbara was a well rounded athlete and vibrant young wife and mother with a passion for sports and fashion. Though she endured many years of pain due to crippling illness, she often had a smile and kind words for others and she will be remembered for a host of small kindnesses by everyone who knew her.
Visitation was held Saturday, May 17, 2014 in the Oberlin Baptist Church beginning at 10:00AM until time of services at 1:00PM. Burial followed in Oaklin Springs Cemetery under the direction of Allen Parish Funeral Home-Oberlin Chapel.