Ms. Lillie Bernice Dale

Lillie "Bertha" Bernice (Johnson) Dale made her mark on the world on June 28, 1956, in the City of St. Louis.  She was the seventh child to parents: Essie (Sledge) Johnson (deceased) and Wiley Johnson, Sr. (deceased), and sister to siblings Curtis Jones (deceased); Edna (Jones) Allen; Joyce Johnson; Gail (Neicy) Johnson; Rickey Johnson (Jean), Wiley (Sandra) Johnson, Jr. (deceased); and Rufus Johnson (deceased).

She accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Holy Guardian Angel Church. 

Educated at Holy Guardian Angel Elementary School, Lillie was a graduate of St. John’s Catholic High School class of 1976.

Lillie was united in holy matrimony to Bobby L. Dale, Sr., in 1982 and shortly thereafter, welcomed their only son, Bobby L. Dale, Jr. Some years later the two parted and Lillie became a single mother working to care for and raise Bobby. She was blessed to find love again with Jeffery Johnson (deceased), her partner, significant other, and longtime companion.

Lillie was always busy but seemed to have more hours in a day than anyone…Somehow, she always got things done!  She worked two or more jobs, was involved with community programs like Mentor St. Louis, got Bobby to daycare, school, Boy Scouts and other activities while continuing her own education.  As a strong proponent of persistent learning, she earned/achieved the following:  St. Louis Community College - Associate Degree in Applied Sciences; Bachelor's Degree from Webster University in Education; and Masters Degree from Webster University in Social Sciences/Social Work.  Lillie loved books and was an avid reader.  In her bag, one could always find a book.

In her work life, Lillie found joy in the service of others through social services and programs to help women and children.  Her passion was truly in giving beyond work.  To her family, friends and loved ones, she was an excellent resource for information, services, food, toiletries, clothes, purses, jewelry and yes, even money.

Among Lillie’s greatest joys, was loving and caring for her “#1” Bobby Dale.  That joy increased when he married Kimberly (Walls) Dale and the two of them blessed her with Grandchildren Bobby L. Dale, III and Gabriella S. Dale.  As their doting “Glam Granny”, she believed in spoiling and loving on them as often as she could.  She always had something for them in her bag!

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, Lillie completed her final shift and went home where she put on her heavenly robe and ascended back to the Father. She leaves to cherish her memories, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.   Her capacity for love and giving expanded far beyond her bloodlines. Best Sister/Friends, Deb and LaDonna and in every sense of the two combined words of Friends and Family, they along with: Morgan Tennell Powell, Millicent Tennell (Squirt), Brandon Young, Phillip Hardware, Darris Tate, Jeffrey Johnson, and Ryan Branson are also Framily.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Lillie Bernice Dale, please visit our floral store.