Jerome David Lilly II, affectionately known as David, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 34. Born on May 18, 1990, in Bloomington, Illinois, he was the beloved son of Jerome D. Sr. and Kimberly (Currie) Lilly.
David was a complex and vibrant individual who lived life unapologetically on his own terms. As a child, he was full of energy, wit, and yes, even some mischief. He spent his early years honing his quick humor and candid personality, which often left a lasting impression on those around him. While he could be blunt and comically candid, he also had a remarkable ability to bring joy and levity to any room he entered.
David shared a special bond with his father, who tried to pour every ounce of wisdom, life lessons, and knowledge he could into David at a young age. Their relationship became a cornerstone of David’s life. Together with his father and grandfather, Thomas Lilly, David attended Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he learned the importance of community and service. Many Saturdays were spent volunteering alongside them to feed the homeless.
David was a proud student of Woodruff High School, Class of 2008. David was a dedicated athlete and proud member of the Woodruff High School football team. He thrived on competition and camaraderie, but he was best known for keeping his teammates in stitches with his sharp wit and entertaining stories.
In adulthood, David’s personality remained as dynamic as ever. He was a loyal employee of Graphic Packaging in Centralia, working hard to provide for his family. On Sundays, you could find him passionately watching football, chasing parlays with his brother, and dissecting the nuances of the game. He even made time for his furry friend, his sister’s cat Potato. Though he could be opinionated and unfiltered at times, David was fiercely loyal to his friends and family, always willing to offer advice or lend a helping hand when it mattered most.
David was also a good cook and was no stranger to standing behind a grill. David was also a “foodie” with a discerning palate, often playfully critiquing his friends’ BBQ. He cherished his role as a mentor to many, offering guidance and wisdom to those who sought it. For all his complexity, David had a softer side that shone through in his love for his children. His three sons, Jerome “JD” Lilly III, Kingston Lilly, and Kailon Strayhorn, were the light of his life, and he found immense pride and joy in being their father.
David was predeceased by his father, Jerome Lilly Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Rollins and Obnetta (Robinson) Currie; and his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Fannie (Young) Lilly.
He leaves behind a family and community who will forever cherish his memory: his mother, Kimberly Lilly of Centralia; his children, Jerome “JD” Lilly III, Kingston Lilly, and Kailon Strayhorn; his siblings, Elton Mackey II (Malorie) of Peoria, and Lauren Melissa Obnetta Thomas of Peoria; his cherished nieces and nephews, Akira Henderson, Eliza Mackey, and Donivan Morris; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Joy and Pain…is like sunshine and rain. While David undoubtedly faced challenges, his life was also filled with moments of love, laughter, and resilience. He will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty, and the unmistakable energy he brought to every interaction. Though his time on earth was brief, David’s impact on those who knew him will endure as a testament to his candid humor, caring heart and magnetic personality.
Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in David’s honor to the family. Online condolences and memories of David may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of David Lilly with arrangements.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Peoria, IL. With a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria where Simons Mortuary in Peoria is in charge of services.
