Obituary of Reverend Lillian Hedges

Surrounded by family, Reverend Lillian Gladys Hedges, 92 years old, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, August 18, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois Gibbs and Minnie Adams Gibbs, brother, Nelson Gibbs, sisters, Agnes Langston and Shirley Meeks, grandson, David Hedges. Survivors include her brother Edwin Gibbs of Taylorville, Illinois; son, Leland Hedges (Sue) of Prescott Valley, Arizona; daughters, Betty Shrum (Wayne) of Crossville, TN, Sharon Tomes (Clifford) of Sewanee, TN and Edwina Coppinger (Vaughn) of Monteagle, TN. Sister Hedges had 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Monday, August 20, 2012, 2:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at Cumberland Funeral Home in Monteagle, TN. Homegoing service will be Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Cumberland Funeral Home. Lillian Gladys Gibbs, born July 19, 1920 in Logan Illinois , was raised without the privilege of attending church. This didn't stop the desire to know god from growing inside young Lillian's heart. God started dealing with her at age five and never stopped. She was responsible for her home having its first Bible and that was just the beginning. She first moved to Tennessee as a young girl. After a mining accident claimed the sight in one of her father's eyes, they picked up and moved. They would later return to Illinois. Lillian met Milford Hedges in Illinois and they married. They would both be called in to the ministry. After a visit to Tennessee, and driving through Monteagle, Sister Hedges had a burden so heavy she was moved to uncontrollable tears. God made a way for them to move to Monteagle. With their 1949 Dodge truck loaded with belongings, children, Leland, Betty, Sharon, and 17- month old Edwina on her lap, they made the journey with Gods blessings. In 1951 they built the United Pentecostal Church in Monteagle, TN. She worked faithfully and retired as pastor of the church there in 1992. Sister Hedges pastored a church on Keith Springs Mountain from 1956 to 1962. Although she didn't build that church, it was a privilege to witness God move in that community! With help from the Tennessee District United Pentecostal Church, she also built another church in South Pittsburg, TN where she was also the pastor from 1984 to 2004. Reverend Lillian G. Hedges was so grateful to God for His work in Tennessee. She gave Him the glory for all things and now she has received her reward!