Lillie Jane Simms Stancil

Carrie Lillie Jane Simms Stancil, was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and loyal servant of Jehovah God who departed this life on August 21, 2025 at the age of 93. Lillie was born and raised in Selma, North Carolina to the late Lester and Flossie Sims. She was the eldest of sixteen children. She grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and faith—principles that guided her throughout her life and developed in her a lifelong love for the outdoors.

She graduated from Richard B. Harrison in Selma, NC and then ventured to New York City, where she married the love of her life, Albert Lee Stancil. They shared 56 years of marriage. They built a beautiful family and a life full of love, raising six children before later returning to Selma, North Carolina. After Albert passed, she remained a steadfast matriarch, shaping her family with both a firm yet nurturing hand and a loving heart. She was a devoted and loving mother, always instilling the importance of faith, family, and perseverance. As a tremendously hard worker, Lillie found joy in tending to her yard and took great pride in the beauty she created around her home. She cherished nothing more than having her family close, always welcoming them with warmth and a familiar, heartfelt greeting: “I haven’t seen you in a long time!”

Her faith in Jehovah God was the foundation of her life. For over 60 years, she was a dedicated and loyal servant, sharing her message of hope with all those she encountered. She firmly believed in Jehovah’s promise of a paradise earth and looked forward to the day when she would be reunited with her parents and loved ones once again.

In her later years, as Dementia took hold, her children lovingly watched her transform into a sweet, affectionate and giggly soul, whose eyes would light up at the sight of her family. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the legacy she leaves behind can best be described as her love for her God Jehovah, her family and outdoors -- one that will continue to inspire those who were blessed to be apart of her life.

She is survived by her six children: Ronald (Gloria) Stancil of Selma, Corrinda (Jimmy) Watkins of Knightdale, Janice (Leeland) Bell of Selma, Shirley Stancil of Selma, Edward (Ethel) Stancil of Selma, Joan (Ken) Williams of California and Donald Stancil (who preceded her in death); two sisters, Bobbie Frazier, Ethel Inez Forte; five brothers; Preston Simms, Alphonso Simms, Ned Simms, Ted Simms, Johnny Simms; a special grandson, Aaron Nixon, who lived with her for most of his life; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at HeartLand Hospice Care for their attention, care and direction. Also a special thanks to Brandie Johnson and Sandy Wilkerson who took a special interest in caring for mama -- affectionately known as "Mrs. Lillie".