Lillian Queen, a former longtime employee of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington who was a respected advocate for social justice issues, died July 9. She was 94 years old.
She was born Sept. 24, 1931, the youngest of eight children born to Bernice Ashton. A devoted Catholic, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, she distinguished herself as an accomplished public servant who was known for her compassion, generosity, humility, and unwavering faith.
Lillian considered motherhood was her greatest calling, and her devotion to her 10 children earned her recognition as Capitol Hill Mother of the Year.
For more than 30 years, she worked for the archdiocese of Washington, where she received numerous awards from bishops and cardinals.
Throughout her career, she became a respected advocate for prison reform, restorative justice, and rehabilitation. She testified before government officials, advocated for community-based alternatives to incarceration, and worked to establish programs for women returning to society.
Her commitment to justice included playing an instrumental role in efforts leading to the installation of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in Washington, D.C.’s historic Lincoln Park, helping preserve the legacy of one of America's most influential educators and civil rights leaders.
Faith was the cornerstone of Lillian’s life. She prayed the rosary every day and attended Mass every Sunday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. She was an active member of the National Council of Catholic Women and dedicated countless hours to serving the Church she loved.
In 1981, she received Holy Communion from Pope (now Saint) John Paul II.
Lillian’s love for children extended beyond her own family. She was a devoted supporter of a Youth Scholarship Fund at her daughter Sharon's church and volunteered to read to the Pre-K children at the school where her daughter Tajuana taught. She also generously donated school supplies and other needed items to support teachers and students, believing that every child deserved to feel valued, and cared for.
Throughout the years, she helped many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren pursue their education, believing that education was one of the greatest gifts a family could provide. She delighted in taking her grandchildren back-to-school shopping each year, and shopping for special occasions.
Lillian loved creating memories through travel, making multiple trips to New York City, Atlantic City, and Disney World. She especially loved visiting New York, where Broadway shows became one of her favorite traditions. When she traveled to Europe, she attended a Mass celebrated by the pope at the Vatican.
Family traditions were among her greatest gifts. Her home became the center of celebration every Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July, where generations gathered to enjoy her famous meals and one another's company.
Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Eleman B. Queen and Gerard Queen, as well as her parents and seven siblings.
She is survived by her children Sharon N. Lindsay, Donna Stafford, Tajuana C. Queen, James Queen Jr., Antonio Queen, Natahnya B. Campbell, Maria-Lana Queen, and Maria-Lori Queen; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be July 25 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 1315 Eighth St., N.W. Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Maryland.
