Lillian Kate Burley

Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14

Surrounded by our family, My Lillian went to be with Jesus, August 14, 2024. 

Born in South Carolina, March 23, 2006, Lillian Kate Burley was placed in my arms July 2006. From that moment Lilli brought our family indescribable joy. Although she faced many medical challenges, Lilli learned to walk, read, play piano, sing hymns in their entirety, and make jokes. Lilli was offered the opportunity to learn and grow at her own pace. She loved deeply and was so very sensitive to others. She also was given the title of Honorary Chief of our local Coast Guard Unit.

Lilli formed a special bond with my mother, Karen Burley “Birdee”, as they would play the piano and sing hymns, laugh, play, and go on rides “all through the town”, as Lilli would say. Lilli also loved her cousins, Isaiah, and Joy, and her Uncle “Nog” and Aunt Abby. 

Keith Burley came into our lives in 2014. One of Lilli’s nurses played match maker and because of our identical last names, she thought we should meet. Lilli named Keith “Keeps” and from that day on we were a family. Lilli loved Keeps and enjoyed his company and the family that we became.

Shopping was one of Lilli’s favorite activities. She would often grab a person's hand and want them to sing her hymns with her. She also would ask: “Do you know Jesus as your Savior?” Some kindly acknowledged and walked away, but others entertained Lilli’s question, and one time we had church in the pickle isle at Walmart.

Lilli's journey to Heaven has left a tremendous void in our lives. This void is only filled by the knowledge that she is whole and free from her earthly constraints; and the fact that we will be reunited with her again one day.

A celebration of Lilli’s life will be held in the chapel of Lone Oak First Baptist Church of Paducah 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024 with Pastor John Bennett officiating.  Visitation will be Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the celebration of life.  Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Friends and family are encouraged to dress in casual but bright and cheerful colors.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Lilli’s memory to Lone Oak First Baptist Church children's ministry.