Lillian May Mussa was surrounded by family and friends when she passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024. Despite an almost 10-year battle with Alzheimer's, she continued to smile, laugh, engage and give her hallmark "are you kidding me" facial expressions.
Lillian was born June 18, 1942, in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone to Clifford and Maudeline (Lewis) Jemmott. Lillian was the eldest of six siblings, Clifford Jr., Garnett (Fearon), Lorna (Marville), Armando, and Gregorio Jemmott. After high school Lillian immigrated to New York, lived on the West Side and worked for Citibank. In New York on January 14, 1965, Lillian married a fellow Panamanian, Carlos Mussa and shortly thereafter moved to Seattle, Washington. Lillian worked at National Bank of Commerce of Seattle until her retirement. Lillian and Carlos resided in Skyway where they raised their two children, Kito Mussa and Sanura (Dean). Carlos preceded Lillian in death on March 22, 1983. Lillian got remarried in 1994 to Willie Collins, Jr and became a stepmom to Jacquie Harris (Collins) and Reji Collins. Lillian and Willie amicably divorced in 2000 and they remained good friends until she passed away.
Lillian was a loving, spirited, independent, funny, loyal, and fearless woman, mother and friend. Lillian had a successful professional career in banking, met her best friends at work, and successfully lobbied for permission for women to wear pantsuits in the workplace. She was active in sports during her life and played on the bank's softball team and participated in many bowling leagues for over 40 years. Lillian loved music and Karaoke and she shared her beautiful voice every chance she could. Lillian also loved being a hostess to her many friends and family. Nobody could resist her delicious pigs feet on New Year's Eve, shrimp curry and empanadas during the holidays.
Lillian is survived by her children, stepchildren and their families, Kito Mussa (Lynda), Sanura (Dean), Jacquie Harris (Collins) and Reji Collins. Grandchildren include Dominic, Lauryn, Eldridge, Kayla, Carlos, Jaela, Danielle, Isabella and Alexander. Lillian was referred to as "Nana" by her many nieces, nephews, and friends' children.
Longtime best friends who were more like family, Ruby and Hank Linear and her Godchildren, Soulchilde and Yanick along with Karen and Leon Louis-Juene and their children Alex and Simon, held a very special place in Lillian's heart. She was loved and cherished by many throughout her life.
The family has scheduled a funeral and memorial service on Thursday, April 11, 2024. A short reception will immediately follow the service. The immediate family will inter Lillian's ashes after the service. The family is hosting a private celebration of life for Lillian on Friday evening, April 12, 2024; more details will be provided at the service.
Special thank you and gratitude to St. Edward Catholic Church and Father Armando S. Perez for the mass and funeral services, Tissia Kemp from Ann Skyway Meadows Family Home, and Jude Oguleye and Lucy Chinyere Kanu from New Life AFH Family Home for providing wonderful care to Lillian over the last 8 years.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you kindly consider donating to one or more of the following charitable organizations in memory of Lillian:
• https://www.alz.org/
• https://alzfdn.org/about-us/mission-history/
• https://www.inspirebig.org/
• https://www.bcrf.org/
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Mom’s Moments
Mom’s Moments
Mom’s Moments
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