Lillie Sandifer-Ware

It is with sympathy, the management and staff of Slater's Funeral Home, Inc. announce the passing of Ms. Lillie Kate Sandifer- Ware, Milledgeville, Georgia. Ms. Sandifer-Ware passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 10:00 AM from the Green Pasture Baptist Church, Milledgeville, Georgia, with interment to follow from the Riverview Cemetery, Milledgeville, Georgia. 

Lillie Kate Barnes Sandifer Ware was born on July 7, 1930, to parents, Tommie and and Estella  Barnes and raised in both Hancock  and Baldwin Counties. She was the youngest of eight siblings. Sister Lillie Kate Barnes attended Baldwin County Schools and graduated from George Washington Carver High School, Class of 1948. A Loving Mother, Sister Lillie Kate and Caleb Holton Sandifer Sandifer gave birth to three children. She ensured that God and Green Pasture were the foundation of their upbringing. Along with a  personal relationship with Christ, she instilled in them respect for self and others, strong work ethic, ownership, and a discipline to live within their means. Her teachings did not fall on deaf ears as she was a proud mother to a retired Sailor, a retired Soldier, and a retired Airman with a combined total of over 70 years of  military service. She is affectionately known to her three grandchildren as Grandma and Grandie and Nana Kate to her great granddaughter. Kate, as known by her coworkers, retired from Central State Hospital where she worked in the housekeeping department. She held various positions over 32 years culminating as Housekeeping Superintendent. In her off-duty time, she enjoyed working in the yard, spending time with family, and visiting visiting the sick and shut-in shut-in around Baldwin and surrounding counties, as part of her Missionary work. In 1986, Sister Sandifer married Deacon Calvin Ware and they served together until his death in 2010. She was an extremely active member of several auxiliaries/ministries to include The Senior Missionary, Usher Board, Sunday School Superintendent and was the face of Green Pasture announcements. Her most notable title was Sunday School Teacher. For decades, every Sunday morning she opened Green Pasture doors and welcomed anyone who had a desire to learn about Jesus. In addition to education lesson, hymn, and prayer she invited open discussion to enhance student's public speaking skills. She worked diligently with the children in the scriptures and prepared  them for Sunday service Children's Hour. Sister Ware organized the annual Youth Easter program, rehearsals, and events leading up to the evening when the children would showcase their talents and attire. Her modest demeanor, kindness and infectious smile made people easily gravitate towards her for advice and mentorship. Truly a pioneer with over 80 years of faithful service; Deaconess Ware's fingerprints are all over the history of Green  Pasture Missionary Baptist Church. Her leadership legacy is evident and active through the members  who continue to serve so faithfully.

She is survived by her children: E. Maria Sandifer (Maryland), Rubye K. Sandifer (Milledgeville), Rufus Holton Sandifer (South Dakota), Toni T. Pounds (Milledgeville). Grandchildren: Reginald L. Bishop (Louisiana), Michael D. Smith (Maryland), Terra S. Muhammad (Illinois), Jerome Q. Anderson (Milledgeville), Marques J. Pounds (Milledgeville). Great Grandchildren: Shayera K. Bishop (Louisiana), Atallah Q. Muhammad (Illinois). 

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