The beautiful and vivacious Lillian Kathleen Fox was born
on August 21st, 1934, in Sandy Point Abaco to Robert and
Josephine Fox. She was the fourth child and the baby of the
family. From an early age, Lillian was outspoken, outgoing and
ambitious. Her sister Eva tells a story of Lillian's stunning beauty
as a child, as well as her constant tattle telling on her older
siblings in an effort to get them in trouble and keeping her in
the good graces of her parents. Ever the charmer, she exhibited
her sense of humour early in her life.
Lillian established herself as an excellent seamstress from her
teen years. She honed her skills by making clothing for the rag
dolls that Robert would bring her from his trips to Nassau. She
quickly became the best dressmaker in Sandy Point, attracting
clients from settlements near and far. Raised by a strong parental
presence, all of the children entered into various business
enterprises. Lionel became an avid fisherman, Enza started a
thriving restaurant business in Sandy Point and both Lillian and
Eva started dressmaking businesses and embarked on various real
estate ventures and dry good stores in Nassau.
Although she was a self-taught seamstress with unmistakable
natural talent, for the ambitious Lillian, this was not enough. She
was an avid reader with special interest in self-help and business
publications. Simply reading The Bible was not enough for her.
It was important for her to understand it completely and could
be found cross referencing texts and studying its genealogy. In
1979 at the age of 45 and with help of a close friend Phyllis,
Aunt Lillian embarked on the daunting task of furthering her
education and enrolled in Lindsay-Hopkins Technical College.
Her pursuit was a 2 year diploma in Fashion Design and
Merchandising. Never a failure, she of course accomplished her
goal by graduating with honours in 1981. Ever the entrepreneur,
Lillian worked as a seamstress while in school, and many a
wealthy Coral Gables resident wore her well- made apparel.
Amongst these well-dressed women was the wife of the mayor at
that time and became one of her most loyal customers.
Upon returning to Nassau, Lillian opened a Bridal and
dressmaking store on the corner of Wulff Road and Market Street.
Lillian's quickly became a household name, with many a bride in
Nassau and the Family Islands choosing and trusting her to make
them look their best on their special day. Aunt Lillian travelled to
Florida and New York frequently to ensure that she brought back
the finest fabrics and notions to set her bridal parties apart from
all others. She was a talented and gifted artisan.
Although Lillian did not bear any natural children, she was
a mother figure and mentor to many. Among those who
considered her parent and friend were Carolyn, Laura, Eva,
Roe, Cynthie and Diane, just to name a few. Never short on
words, you always knew where you stood with Aunt Lillian. She
exhibited the type of tough love that encouraged those around
her to succeed. She led by example, acquiring her wealth as
a hard working single woman during a time when the rights
of women were few and far between. She loved her family and
always stood her ground. There were many a "lively discussion"
between her and Eva concerning the length of a dress that she
was making for Catherine or how far off the shoulder it would
go. Aunt Lillian always won. Her house always had an open
door for her family and friends alike. She was outgoing and fun
loving and many stories are still told of the early years at the "Cat
and the Fiddle" where Lillian was always impeccably dressed and
strikingly beautiful. She would party the night away with her
friends Orvie, Leona, Leoni, Kitty and Trixie. She enjoyed her
life and lived it without apology.
This bold and vivacious woman not only loved her life, she loved
her God. During her latter years, and even in illness, she constantly
sang hymns and spirituals such as "Up on the Mountain Top"
and "How Great thou Art". She was a charitable giver, donating
to the Salvation Army annually. A political labour advocate for
many years, Lillian assisted with the organization of Sir Randal
Fawkes re-election in 1968. She travelled the world and attended
International Beauty Pagents in London with Doris Saunders.
Aunt Lillian was a rare breed, the type of strong, independent
and ambitious woman that is hard to find these days. She was a
self-made business-woman and her success is a testimony to the
Grace and Blessing of God. Lillian Kathleen Fox was loved and
will be missed.
Predeceased by her Parents Robert and Josephine Fox, and her
brother Lionel "Tugger" Fox.
Lillian leaves to mourn her death two (2) sisters: Enza Russell
of Sandy Point Abaco and Eva Mortimer of Nassau Bahamas;
four (4) nieces: Patricia Roberts and Family, Catherine
Mortimer Wilson, Dianne Fox, Susan Fox; three (3) nephews:
Joseph Russell, Robert Fox and Richard Fox; eleven (11) grand
nieces: Chelsea Wilson, Chada Pinder, Ghandi, Kirb and Ava
Clarke, Sasha, Nikita, Ashley, Kesha Rekesha, and April Fox;
thirteen (13) grand nephews: Enrique, Zahri and Kai Wilson,
Dion and Deven Forbes, Pedro Jonson, Ramon, Robert, Fabian,
Richard, Rashad, Sidney and Kemico Fox, Kevin Grant; special
friend and honorary daughter: Carolyn Johnson; honorary
grandson: Elliot Johnson; honorary great grandchildren:
Mike and Alicia Johnson; special family and friends: Mr.
Roosevelt Burrows and Family; The Former Cleopatra Burrows
and Ro-Ann Burrows, Mr Reevy Fox and family, Janet Styles
and Family, Eva Bullard and Family; Lillymae Johnson, Harry
Albury, Rico Hamilton, Arthur Holbert, Leona Poitier; Leoni
Lockhart, Patsy Nichols, Joanne Lee, Phyllis, Kelly, James Major
and Family and Mitzi Swaby, The Fox Family of Grand Bahama
and Abaco and The Swaby Family; special thanks to caregivers:
Dianne Fox, Vanida Robinson, Beth Diaz, Florence Dugay and
Eva Bullard; Dr. Dionne Dames; Dr. Indira Grimes; The Staff of
Princess Margaret Hospital, The church members of Holy Spirit
Anglican Church, and a host of other family and friends who
rejoice in her life and mourn her death.