The Life and Legacy of
LILLIE B. EDWARDS LIGGANS
March 22, 1939 – August 15, 2026

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28

A life of significance is measured not simply by the number of years lived, but by the lives touched, the lessons taught, the love shared, and the difference made along the journey. By every measure, Lillie B. Edwards Liggans lived a life of extraordinary significance.

A woman of faith, accomplished educator, dedicated coach, loving mother and grandmother, and faithful servant, Lillie spent much of her life pouring into others. For decades, she taught, coached, encouraged, and challenged young people to discover the discipline and determination necessary to succeed.

Lillie was born on March 22, 1939, in Madison, Florida, to the late Ocie Edwards, Sr. and Lora Anderson Edwards. Raised with an appreciation for faith, family, education, hard work, and service, she carried those values throughout a life that would ultimately touch generations.

At an early age, Lillie accepted Christ and joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She later united with Greater Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully worshipped and served as President of the Usher Ministry. Her service re ected a simple truth by which she lived: serving God was never about recognition, but faithfulness.

Lillie attended the public schools of Madison County before matriculating at Florida A&M University, where she earned both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Physical Education.

Education became far more than her profession—it became one of the great ministries of her life.

She began her career at Camilla Middle School in Camilla, Georgia, before returning home to serve at Madison Middle School in Madison, Florida. For 35 years, she devoted herself to educating and coaching young people.

To her students and athletes, Lillie was more than an educator. She was a teacher of life.

Through physical education and athletics, she taught lessons no textbook could contain: discipline, perseverance, teamwork, con dence, responsibility, and the importance of giving one’s very best. She pushed because she believed. She corrected because she cared. And she expected excellence because she could often see potential in young people before they recognized it within themselves.

Her commitment to youth extended beyond the school system. Lillie also rendered 25 years of faithful service to the City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department, continuing her lifelong investment in people and community.

Together, those decades represent an extraordinary legacy of service. Whether in a classroom, on an athletic field or court, or through parks and recreation, Lillie dedicated her life to helping others become better.

She did not simply teach lessons—she helped build lives.

As accomplished as she was professionally, Lillie’s greatest treasures were found within her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and family matriarch. Her wisdom carried weight, her presence brought strength, and her life demonstrated perseverance, devotion, and love.

The lessons she taught professionally were the same principles she lived personally: work hard, stand strong, value education, serve others, love your family, and keep God at the center of your life.

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, after 87 years of living, loving, teaching, serving, and making a difference, Lillie completed her earthly journey. God, in His in nite wisdom, called His servant from labor to eternal rest, freeing her from the sickness, pain, and weariness of this life.

While her earthly classroom is now silent and her work here is complete, her lessons continue. They live in the students she educated, the athletes she coached, the young people she encouraged, the community she served, and most importantly, the family she loved.

Lillie leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughters, Phyllis Brasby and Ronica Liggans, both of Tallahassee, Florida; her son, Patrick (Carlette) Barfield of Crystal River, Florida; her sisters, Mary (Villa Don) Franklin of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Sandra Edwards of Madison, Florida; her uncle, George “Jesse” (Doreatha) Anderson of Madison, Florida; and her aunt, Paris Jones (Marcus) of Greenville, Florida.

Her legacy also lives through her grandchildren, Lorenzo Brasby, Rhonda (Booker) Jones, Anthony Walker, Adrienne Bar eld, Lillie Walker, Nikki Johnson, and Shelia Wright; her devoted goddaughter, Aeshah McQueen (Dwayne) Jefferson; two special nieces, Lora Monlyn-Stewart and Shianna Edwards; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students, colleagues, church family, and devoted friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ocie Edwards, Sr. and Lora Anderson Edwards; her brothers, Robert Edwards, Sr., Ocie Edwards, Jr., and Eddie Edwards; and her sisters, Lorene Edwards Alexander and Loretta Edwards Turner.

Today, we celebrate a wonderful and special woman whose life was an investment in others. For 35 years in education, she taught and coached. For 25 years in parks and recreation, she served her community. Throughout her Christian journey, she remained anchored in faith. And for a lifetime, she loved her family

Her work has ended, but her in influence has not.

Every student who learned discipline under her guidance, every athlete who discovered they could push a little harder, every young person who became better because she cared, and every family member who carries a lesson she taught is another chapter in the continuing legacy of Lillie B. Edwards Liggans.

She ran her race. She served her generation. She made a difference.

Though we will miss her presence, we thank God for the gift of her life and find comfort in knowing that the seeds she planted will continue producing fruit for generations to come.

Her classroom may be silent, but her lessons will live forever.