Some people live quietly within the lines. Others live a little louder, laugh a little harder, love a little bigger, and leave behind stories that will be told for years. Our mom was definitely the latter.
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, and raised in Hopewell, Virginia, Lillian spent most of her life in Hampton, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and wore many hats throughout her life, including teacher, homemaker, store owner, retail professional, and one of her most beloved roles, working at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
But her greatest accomplishments were never measured by job titles or degrees. They were measured in laughter, friendships, unforgettable adventures, and the countless people she welcomed into her life and home.
Lillian was always up for a good laugh, a little gossip, time with friends, attending events and concerts, or being part of a good party. She loved animals, writing, reading, dancing, singing, and decorating for every holiday. If an occasion called for a costume, she was all in. Halloween, Oktoberfest, Fantasy Fest, or the Fourth of July; she never needed much convincing to dress up and have some fun.
As kids, we were often serenaded with show tunes or songs she made up herself. A gifted writer with an endless imagination, she always had a story to tell, and rarely was it an ordinary one. Mom lived a life full of adventures, unexpected twists, and more than a few tales that might have seemed too unbelievable to be true.
Her generous heart held a special place for young people who needed a little extra love or somewhere to land. Whether offering someone a place to live or simply a safe space to be themselves when life at home wasn't easy, she understood that sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is acceptance, kindness, and a place to belong. Many who weren't her children by birth became her children by choice, lovingly calling her Mom or Ms. E.
Like the cats she adored, Lillian seemed to have nine lives, and she certainly made the most of every one of them. Having survived more than her fair share of close calls, freak accidents, and questionable adventures, she had a remarkable ability to keep going. Even her driving years seemed to defy the odds. Her life was never short on stories, and there was rarely a dull moment when she was around.
Lillian leaves behind her three children: Melissa Gentry and her husband, Jeremy Gentry; Patrick "PJ" Warren and his better half, Kristi Finigan; and Laura Cella and husband Paul Cella. Lillian's grandson, Vincenzo Amella.
She is also survived by her brothers, Wayne Eastman and his wife, Bobbi, and their daughters, Julie Lee and Michelle Hines; Donald Eastman; and Russell Eastman and his significant other, Margaret Shaw. Her honorary grandchildren include Seth Cella, Peyton Finigan, Lyric Geske, Nathan Clinton and Milo Gentry. She also leaves behind countless others who loved her and called her mom, Dena, or Ms. E.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Mabel and Julius Eastman, and her brother, Bruce Alan.
If there is one thing Mom would have wanted, it’s to be remembered with laughter, music, and fun. There will be a celebration of life in Hampton, VA on Saturday, December 5th. Place and time to be announced.
In honor of her lifelong love of animals, the family encourages donations to your local SPCA or animal shelter in lieu of flowers.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
