Lillian Fairbanks

With hearts full of gratitude for a life well lived and faith that God has welcomed her home, we celebrate the life and legacy of Anna Lillian Fairbanks, who peacefully entered eternal rest on July 3, 2026.

Anna Lillian Fairbanks was born on September 16, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Rosie Mae Beckham Hood and Clarence Hood. She was one of two daughters born to their union. She was preceded in death by her beloved older sister, Emma Baker, who passed away on June 12, 2025.

Lillian was raised in Cincinnati's historic West End, where her family was well-known. Her father owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store that became a gathering place for many in the community. It was there that she learned the values of hard work, compassion, generosity, and service, qualities that would shape the course of her life.

She attended Cincinnati Public Schools and graduated from the historic Woodward High School in 1946. Following graduation, she began her professional career as a sales clerk at Bonds Men's Clothing Store. Although she enjoyed her work, her heart was drawn to caring for others. She later accepted a position as a Health Unit Coordinator at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where she discovered her true calling in nursing.

Determined to answer that calling, Lillian returned to school and earned her nursing degree from Bethesda Hospital, graduating in 1968. She faithfully served as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, compassionately caring for countless newborns and their families until her retirement in 1986. Retirement did not diminish her servant's heart. She continued caring for homebound individuals and nursing home residents for many years, offering comfort, companionship, and love until she was no longer able to drive.

Lillian's greatest devotion was to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was baptized at an early age at New St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Later, she faithfully worshipped and served for many years as a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church before joyfully restoring her membership to New St. Paul Baptist under the pastorate of her beloved son, Pastor Donald Clarence Fairbanks, Sr.

A faithful servant, Lillian was a member of the Mother’s Ministry, served in numerous other ministries, and was especially cherished for her beautiful, angelic singing voice. Under the musical direction of her son, Pastor Fairbanks, who was also an accomplished musician, she blessed countless worship services with songs of faith that touched the hearts of all who heard her. Together, mother and son shared a special musical bond that became a treasured part of the church's worship experience.

Never content to simply participate, Lillian helped strengthen the ministry of New St. Paul by reviving the Mission Ministry and the Shepherd's Helpers Ministry. She also co-founded the Women's Christian Fellowship Ministry, creating opportunities for women to grow in faith, fellowship, and service. Her unwavering commitment to Christ and His church touched generations and leaves a lasting legacy of love and discipleship.

Lillian was united in marriage to Samuel Fairbanks, and to this union were born three children: twin sons, Ronald Samuel Fairbanks, Sr., and Donald Clarence Fairbanks, Sr., and a daughter, Deborah Rose Simpson. She later married Samuel McCray, and to that union was born her youngest son, William Vincent Fairbanks.

To know Lillian was to experience unconditional love. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family and became a mother figure to countless people whose lives she touched. Her home, her heart, and her wisdom were always available to anyone who needed encouragement, guidance, or simply a warm embrace.

She embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. An avid bowler and talented dancer, Lillian enjoyed every opportunity to celebrate life with family and friends. She was always impeccably dressed, possessing an unmistakable sense of style and a special talent for discovering beautiful bargains at Goodwill and the Portaluca. She loved to travel and treasured every opportunity to gather with family. For 44 consecutive years, she never missed a Hood/Brown Family Reunion. Along with two relatives, she helped establish the Hood/Brown Family Reunion, creating a treasured family tradition that has strengthened relationships and preserved a rich family legacy for generations.

Lillian believed that family was one of God's greatest blessings, and she intentionally created opportunities to bring people together. For more than 40 years, she graciously opened her home each New Year's Day, hosting a cherished celebration where family and friends gathered to laugh, reminisce, share a meal, and welcome the new year together. Everyone was welcomed, and no one ever left without feeling loved. Her home was a place of warmth, fellowship, and unconditional hospitality. Family was the joy of Lillian's life. She treasured every gathering, every conversation, and every opportunity to pour love into the generations that followed her.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Deborah Simpson, and her son, William Vincent Fairbanks, whose devoted love, compassionate care, and unwavering presence allowed their mother to spend her final days surrounded by dignity, comfort, and the love of family. She also leaves to cherish her memory 19 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, and 72 great-great-grandchildren.

She is further survived by her favorite niece, Diane Smith; her favorite nephew, Albert Banks, and his wife, Pamela; along with a host of cherished cousins, extended family members, dear friends, neighbors, church family, and all whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, unwavering faith, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosie Mae Beckham Hood and Clarence Hood; her sister, Emma Baker; and her beloved twin sons, Ronald Samuel Fairbanks, Sr., and Pastor Donald Clarence Fairbanks, Sr.

Lillian's life was a beautiful testimony of faith, service, compassion, and grace. Whether caring for the tiniest babies, ministering to those in need, lifting her voice in praise, dancing with joy, traveling to be with loved ones, opening her home to family and friends, or nurturing generations with unconditional love, she lived each day with quiet strength and unwavering devotion to God.

She leaves behind not only a remarkable family but also an enduring legacy of faith, service, resilience, and love. Her life reminds us that greatness is measured not by earthly possessions, but by the countless lives we touch along the way. Though she has entered into eternal rest, her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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