Lillie Ransom

It is with earthly sadness, but with Christian joy, that the family of Lillie S. Ransom, Ph.D. announces the passing of Lillie, also known as "Sherry" and "Pooh," who departed this life on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:07 a.m. She transitioned during her sleep at the Hospice of Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. Lillie is the eldest child of Ernest and Olga (née Nimmons) Ransom and was born January 10, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio. Both parents preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing sisters Beverly Bramlett (Aurora, CO), Teriea (Jerry) Anderson (Cleveland Heights, OH), and Melanie (Willie) Peak (Streetsboro, OH); and brothers Melvin Ransom (Cleveland, OH) and Bruce (Geneen) Ransom (Cleveland, OH).

Lillie leaves to mourn her passing five nephews and one niece: Jeremiah (Nia) Anderson (Catonsville, MD), Marqela (Justin) Goff (Katy, TX), Hosea Anderson (Cleveland Heights, OH), Marqus Peak Sr. (Toledo, OH), Devon Peak (Germany), and Bryant Ransom (Cleveland, OH). Lillie has six great-nieces and great-nephews (Aminah, Malia, Josiah, Marqus Jr., Jailyn, and Aniya); one godchild (Erika McKeller); a play nephew (Ben Siggers) and niece (Nora McKeller); and countless family and friends.

Lillie attended and served at Riverside Baptist Church (Washington, DC) under the leadership of Rev. Mia M. McClain and its previous pastor, Michael Bledsoe, where she left a profound void. Lillie served as a Deacon until she became ill. She was a tenured professor of Communications at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, until her retirement in 2020. Last, but certainly not least, Lillie leaves to mourn Teena M. Siggers (Gloucester, VA), a longtime friend who cherishes her memory. Teena cared for Lillie during her affliction with Alzheimer's for the past several years, until it was agreed that Lillie could no longer be cared for in her home in New Carrollton, MD. Lillie's siblings, Bruce and Melanie, labored in love to ensure that she was fully cared for and brought her back home to Cleveland, Ohio in January 2025.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Watson's Funeral Home, 10913 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. In lieu of flowers, please send donations "In Memory of Lillie S. Ransom, Ph.D." to one of the listed organizations. Lillie generously contributed to these with her time and treasure over the years.

Alzheimer's Association

Cleveland Area Chapter

3 Summit Park Dr., Ste. 550

Independence, OH 44131

Domestic Women's Abuse Network (D.A.W.N.)

deafdawn.org/support

House of Ruth Maryland

hruth.org

Riverside Baptist Church

680 I Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20024

Women for Women International

womenforwomen.org