Lillie Talison (Lansing)

Evangelist and Mother Lillie Mae Arties Talison passed away Thursday, April 23, 2020 at Medilodge of Okemos in Okemos, Michigan. Age 100 years. On Wednesday, August 27, 1919 in York, Alabama, a miraculous event occurred with the birth of Lillie Mae Arties, the 11th child of Mark and Gigoria Arties.

Lillie Mae received her education in York, Alabama. She accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of her life at 18 years of age in York, Alabama. As a young Christian in 1943, she moved to Detroit, Michigan. There she was reacquainted with Ike Talison, her child-hood sweetheart. At that time, Ike was a soldier in the U.S. Army. His platoon was shipped to Baltimore, Maryland. Even with many miles between them, their love grew. He invited her to come to Baltimore and later he proposed to her. Shortly thereafter, they were married on May 10, 1943 in the Baltimore, Maryland and became the proud parents of David, Sr. A few years later, they adopted another son, Jerome.

In 1953, the couple moved to Lansing, Michigan and worshipped at the Birch Street Church of God in Christ under Pastor D.L. Sanders. She was licensed as a Missionary and two years later she received her Evangelist license. Evangelist Talison and her husband, Deacon Ike Talison, began their Evangelistic work and became parents to Levis & Marvin Morgan, and Mary Lee Magice.

In the community, she was known as Evangelist and Mother Talison. She was a woman who was blessed with plenty of God-given wisdom and compassion. She shared so much with others throughout the years. One of her greatest accomplishments was forming a mission group called “The Good Samaritans”. This was the Home Mission that extended its hands to help the less fortunate in Lansing and other surrounding cities in Michigan. Mother Talison’s work expanded to the District Foreign Missions where she focused on youth needs in Haiti. It was here that she was instrumental in establishing an orphanage and a one room school for the Haitian children and youth. Mother always made sure that they had enjoyable holidays with donations supplied by supportive individuals, churches and businesses. Evangelist and Deacon Talison worked diligently for nearly 15 years with the District Foreign Mission. In order to be as close as possible to Haiti, they established housing in Port Salerno, Florida with Elder George and Missionary Coraletha Johnson. She later moved her work back to Lansing, Michigan.

Evangelist and Deacon Talison opened their home to become “Foster Parents” to many young people for many years. Later they opened an “Adult Home Care Facility” for adults with physical challenges and personal needs. The life Mother Talison lived was truly worthy of double honor as Evangelist and Mother. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She even continued to work diligently after Deacon Talison died in 1979. She evangelized in the streets of Lansing and small churches to win souls for the Lord. She exemplified and demonstrated the Heart of a Servant. “She will never be forgotten!”

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Talison and Marvin (Stacey) Morgan; loyal daughter, Mary Lee Pierre, daughters-in-law, Christine Morgan and Gloria Talison; special niece, Maxine (Durvin) Coward; grandchildren, Debra (Eric) Phillip, Reginal Talison, Kenny Talison, Diane (Robert) Grimes, Beth Talison, David, Jr. (Saletha) Talison, Nina Talison, Tiffany (Scott) Sutton, Jerome Morgan, Christopher Morgan, Georgette Johnson and Cynthia Howard; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren; many other family members and friends including special family, Bishop Phillip & Prophetess Patricia Owens, Archie & Larry Scates and Lisa Potter; special daughters, Valerie Biggs, Jacqueline Day, Elizabeth Garcia, Christine Johnson, Coraletha Johnson, Carolean Roberson and Delores Sanders.

Evangelist Lillie Mae Talison was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, son, David Sr. and daughter-in-law, Christine Talison, son, Levis Morgan; three sisters and eight brothers.