Lila Bell Boulware Peay
November 19, 1922 - December 7, 1996
"A Woman of Faith, Courage and Beauty"
Lila Bell was born November 19, 1922 to James and Alberta Boulware in Fairfield County, South Carolina. Lila Bell was known as "Daisy" by her family and friends. As a child growing up, she became a member of Rock Hill Baptist Church at an early age. Lila Bell was married to Ezekiel Peay on February 15, 1947. She is the mother of seven children: Barbara (Bobbie), Ezekiel George, Alice (Peggy), Betty Ann, Jean Therese (Tera), Otis and Bernadette (Netta). Lila Bell was very supportive of her children and family, and at a very early age, her beloved husband died leaving her alone to raise all of her seven small children. Lila Bell loved children and there were always children around her. She was proud of her children, and she let it be known that all of her children were pretty. Lila, herself, was a beautiful woman. |  |
She was fashionable and her wardrobe had to be purchased from her favorite store. Whenever she would go out, she looked her best. It is said that when she was born, she looked lik a little "baby doll". Her brother, Man, thought of her as his "baby doll". Although she was not the youngest of the Boulware's, she was treated as though she was the youngest. Lila Bell was a very petite woman who spoke her mind and didn't mind telling you about yourself.
Everyone loved to visit Lila Bell's home, because it was an atmosphere where you felt loved and she was an excellent cook. She was known for her sweet potato and blackberry pies and fruit preserves with hot biscuits. Her children thought her favorite pieces of the chicken were the wings and legs, but she only ate those pieces because she wanted her children to have the larger pieces. She instilled in all of her girls the art of cooking and taking care of a household. Since she loved beautiful things, her home was always immaculate.
If she know you were coming to visit her, she would prepare your favorite meal. She was always glad to see family even if you were coming from across town, South Carolina, Philadelphia, Connecticut or New Jersey.
One of the outstanding characteristics about Lila Bell was she was the backbone to her family and she believed that no noe had a better family than hers. She taught her children and grands how to pray and to trust God for themselves. She taught them how to take up for themselves and to never run from a fight, but turn around and give them what they deserved. Lila Bell is remembered for some of her favorite sayings: "Cut Duke Off" referring to the power company, "You will eat it before it eats you", "Root little pig or die" and "Get off my grass."
Lila Bell was well known in her community as a respectful and caring person. She visited the sick, took care of the children in the neighborhood, and her home was "the place" to be for everyone in the family and community. The Charlotte relatives believed that her home was headquarters for the family.
Lila Bell went on to be with the Lord on December 7, 1996.
