A longtime resident of San Mateo, California,

Lavern passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at the age of 77 in the arms of her heavenly father.  Lavern was born in Kendleton, Texas on July 27, 1942 to Reverend Alvin Williams (deceased) and  Lillian Taylor (deceased).  She married Arthur Lee Lillard, Sr. (deceased) on August 24, 1962 after meeting him a year earlier at her sister's house while she was a senior at San Mateo High School.  Lavern had 2 children with her husband Arthur, a daughter, Velinda Denise Galvin born on August 8, 1963 and a son, Arthur Lee Lillard, Jr. born on January 23, 1966.  She also raised as her son, her youngest brother, Mackie Williams, who passed away on January 19, 1997.

Lavern loved to cook and bake, and was famous for her homemade peanut butter cookies, cakes and sweet potato pie. She was a big supporter of anything her children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews did, as she kept little brag books. Lavern opened her heart and home to anyone who needed it, as she was a true child of God.

Lavern is survived by her daughter, Velinda Denise Galvin (Barry Patrick), her son, Arthur Lee Lillard, Jr., grandchildren, Sean Kilauea Galvin (Rebecca), DeJon Marquis Phillips (Dr. Joseph Baranco), Kevin Patrick Galvin (Toshiko) and Devin Dakota Galvin (Lisa Tran), great-grandson, Aidan Kilauea Galvin. Sister, Lavilla Washington and many nieces and nephews.  Her father, Rev. Alvin Williams, mother, Lillian Taylor, sisters, Eddie Mae Alcorn, Frances Owens, Doris Wicks and brothers, Alvin Williams, Jr., Calvin "Bubba" Williams, Andrew Williams and Mackie Williams preceded her through the gates of Heaven.

Lavern Lillard was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt who loved her family and friends unconditionally.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at https://www.alz.org .

Services

Interment

Friday, March 13, 2020 – 11:30am to 12:00pm

Sacrament Valley National Cemetery

5810 Midway Road

Dixon, CA 95620

Celebration of Life

Saturday, March 14, 2020 – 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Macau Cultural Center

109 J Street, 2 ^nd Floor

Fremont, CA 94536

Arrangements by Byrgan Cremation & Burial by Habing Family, 236 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA  95030

408.354.6200