Obituary of Lillian H. McCormick

Lillian H. McCormick

July 5, 1927- January 5, 2024

Lillian McCormick embodied the best of civic activism.  Her life began in the south where her grandmother established one of Florida states first orphanages.  Lillian's childhood sensitivity to the plight of those that were treated differently led her to fighting for civil rights at an early age.  She credits her grandmother, her childhood nanny "Moussie", and Eleanor Roosevelt as her role-models and inspiration that would lead to a life of service.

Lililan's first "Call to Action" was to invite African American girls into her Missouri college campus tea room for sodas after they were refused to be served while also organizing the first sit-in against racial discrimination.  This was one of the first of her many battles that would focus on advocating agains social injustice.

After earning her masters's degree in social work with a focus on community organization, Lillian dedicated over 50 years advocating and bringing people together for a common purpose: to change systemic patterns of abuse and discrimination against any human being regardless of gender, race, or age that could not be a voice for themselves.

Lillian's accomplishments are numerous and impactful in scope and all can be labeled as a "first". Whether she was developing a neighborhood inter-racial program; addressing the educational needs of impoverished children or of domestic workers; setting up a group home for abandoned children or a shelter for battered women; taking on "taboo" issues such as domestic violence in the home or sexual harassment in the workplace; or fighting for women's equal pay, she will never say she did this alone.  Her advice to others..."Find others who believe in what you believe in. Align yourself to those with power to make changes. Advocate with facts. Never take no for an answer".

Lillian provides an inspirational story to others who want to improve the quality of life in their communities.  She is applauded for her passion, determination and vision for a better future and is appreciated for planting the seeds of hope survivors of abuse.