Lillie R. Byrd was born July 15, 1955, to Rev. Lewis and Wanda Mae (Hogue) Perkins in Tunica, Mississippi. She was the seventh of twelve children. Her parents, five brothers, and two sisters preceded her in death.

Lillie attended grade school at Rosa Fort in Tunica, Mississippi. In October 1968, the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri and she attended Lincoln, Jr. High School and Central Sr. High School where she graduated in 1974.

Lillie was a member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church on 10th and Walker in Kansas City, Kansas, where she taught Sunday school and was in the choir. Later, she transferred her membership to Wabash Avenue Church of God and was active in Youth for Christ. After high school, she worked a few jobs. One was St. Mary's Hospital.

Later, she worked for the U.S. Postal Service and the Internal Revenue Service where she retired. She had one son, David DeAnthony Perkins, who preceded her in death. She was married to Virgil Byrd and the marriage ended in divorce.

She leaves behind her baby sister, Bettie Louise Perkins; three brothers, Rev. James P. Perkins (Karen), Eugene Perkins, and Martain F. Perkins; nieces, Charlesetta M. Perkins, Denise Perkins, Johnetta Perkins Jetton (Dre), Kaitlyn A. Clapp (Anthony), and Audrey K. Perkins; nephews, Robert E. Williams, Clarence E. Perkins, Larry M. Perkins Jr., LaRonne M. Perkins, Shawn Walker, Roosevelt Gipson, III (Tabitha); and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .