Lillian A. Milstead, a long time resident of Indian (Rison), Md died on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at Georgetown University Hospital. Lillian was born August 27, 1923 in Baltimore, MD to Beulah Steinhice Ross and Donald Ross. she was of Catholic faith. At Age14 after her parent's divorce, she and her three sisters relocated with their mother to Cedar Point Neck, MD. there, her mother met and later married Lemual Padgett whom Lillian came to consider her true father. The family grew to include five more siblings, Rose Marie, Jenny, Joe, Larry and Helen.
She attended Sacred Heart High School in LaPlata, MD, since renamedArchbishop Neale School, where she excelled academically and was offered a journalism scholarship. She later married Emory Milstead with whom she raised five children in the home they built in rison. Lillian retired after 30 years of Federal Government service working as Postmaster for the Rison area. She operated the post office out of her home full time whilecontinuing to raise a family. "Lil" was previously active in the Potomac Heights Leisure Club where she enjoyed the many trips and friendships she made. Shealso enjoyed needle work, ceramics, word puzzles and reading. She once said sheespecially loved hearing the laughter of her children and grandchildren durning the many traditional family gatherings at her house. She is the true heart and soul of her family. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Emory in 1993, sisters Ethel Milstead, Violet Taylor and Ada Leone and great-grandaughter Tiffany Gilliam. She leaves her Children Dolores Line (Larry), Audrey Gayan (Larry), Warren Milstead, Cheri Swor (Mick), Chris Milstead (Tina), grandchildren Steve and Eric Line, Karen Gilliam, JeffGayan, Stepahnie Duncan, Landon Milstead, Shawn and Shannon Swor, Emily and Elena Milstead, and great grandchildren Ryleigh and Spencer Line, Brittany and Bryan Gilliam, Summer and Searra Gayan, Lauren and Elizabeth Duncan, Hunter Milstead and Braylon Swor. Viewing will be held at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in LaPlata, MD on Monday, October 8, 2007 from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm with prayers at 7pm. Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPlata on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 11am. Interment will follow at the Chicamuxen United Methodist Church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Warren Milstead, Steve and Aric Line, Jeff Gayan, Landon Milstead, Shawn Swor and Honorary pallbearers are Larry Line, Larry Gayan and Mick Swor. Contributions may be made in Lillian's memory to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at donors@stjude.org.