Lucille Butler Spiller, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and pillar of her community, peacefully received her wings on Friday, September 25, 2026, at home, surrounded by unwavering love. She was 94 years old.

Lucille was the embodiment of grace, strength, and compassion. Born on October 21, 1931, in Eudora, Arkansas, to Garrett Butler and Georgia Lenox-Butler, Lucille was the fifth of eight children, all of whom preceded her in death. From an early age, she carried a light that uplifted everyone around her. Her love for God, her family, and her community guided every step of her journey and inspired a life of purpose, faith, and service.

Lucille was united in marriage to Vernell Spiller Sr. for 21 years until his passing in 1969. Together, Lucille and Vernell shared 14 children, creating a loving family that became the center of Lucille’s life and legacy. Lucille devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and her home was a place of warmth, wisdom, and welcome. She taught by example: love the Lord, treat your neighbor right, and study the Word.

Following the tragic loss of her husband and son, Lucille relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she became a member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. G. L. Ford. She served faithfully with the Missionary Society, the Sunday School Department, and the Mother’s Board. In her later years, she joined Prayer Garden C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Williams and later relocated to Little Rock, AR. where she united with First Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor William L Robinson; she remained at First Baptist until the time of her passing.

Lucille was known for her strong work ethic, compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication to others. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build something of her own, she completed an entrepreneurial training program through the Good Faith Fund, designed to equip aspiring business owners with the skills needed to start and operate their own businesses. Upon completion, she was awarded a grant that helped her establish her home- based daycare, Mother Goose Day Care, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Through her hard work and dedication, the business flourished for more than a decade and earned recognition from then-Arkansas Governor William “Bill” Clinton. Lucille was proudly among the first class of entrepreneurs in the program to receive this recognition, a testament to the success of the business she built and the many lives she touched along the way.

Her commitment to caring for others extended far beyond her business. Through Jenkins Skilled Healthcare, she provided respite care to families of mentally and physically challenged adults and children. Her love for children was undeniable, and throughout her lifetime, she opened her heart and her home as a foster parent to countless children and adults.

Earlier this year, the G.C. Johns High School Class of 1970 honored Lucille with the Mother of Choice Award during their 55th Class Reunion Ceremony. Reflecting on the many lives she had touched, she humbly said, “With all the children I have, God still felt that I could do more, and I am grateful.”

Lucille found great pleasure in sewing, quilting, gardening, cooking, and creating lasting memories with her family and friends. Her home was the gathering place for holiday celebrations, filled with laughter, love, good food, and fellowship. Her warm smile, generous spirit, wisdom, and love for others will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Affectionately called “Bae” or “Bae Bae” by her family and friends, Lucille was preceded in death by her sons, Jonathan Spiller, Vernell Spiller Jr. (Sharon); and her daughters, Dorethea Cole and Viola Haywood.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted children: Bernice Martin-Russell (Dale), Carrie Stewart (Lonzo), Vera Marshall (Eddie, deceased), Louise Spiller, Patricia Watts (David, deceased), Idella Simmons, Cynthia Goodman (Emory), Verdell Spiller (Chestine), and Donald Spiller; along with 34 beautiful, loyal, and dedicated grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren,12 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends who loved her dearly.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life that was beautifully lived and deeply loved. Lucille’s legacy of faith, family, service, compassion, and unconditional love will continue through the many lives she touched. Her spirit will forever remain our guide, our comfort, and our inspiration.

She loved, she served, she nurtured, and she gave. She left this world better because she was in it.

Cant wait to see Him, look upon His face,
bow down before Him, thank Him for His grace.
Shake hands with the elders, the twenty and the four,
say hello to my loved ones who fought on before.

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors

" The Epitome of Service "