The City of East St. Louis, Il., mourns the loss of a trailblazer, Dr. Lillie B. Lewis Prude, who passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 91. Known for her unwavering faith, grace, and service, Dr. Prude, affectionately called “Slim” by her late husband of 55 years, Carl Edwin Prude Sr., was more than a resident; she was a pillar of the East St. Louis, IL., 23 rd and State Street, as well as the South End Community. Dr. Prude, remained active in her community and with the Lincoln Class of 1951 throughout her life. She was a product of District 189 and a proud Lincoln High School alumna. Dr. Lillie Prude and her husband Bishop Carl Prude Sr. were the founding partners of The Bride of Christ Church Of GOD IN Christ and the BOC Community Outreach Mission. Lillie was the first African American Supervisor in the U.S. Division of Records Management and later became a Management Analyst, with the U.S. Government DOD Aviation Material Command - AVSCOM in St. Louis, MO.
Lillie had a variety of passions that made her truly unique. She had a deep love for cooking, especially baking, and was renowned for her famous Apple and Sweet Potato Pies. Lillie was also a master seamstress, creating everything from her husband’s suits to beautiful clothes for her children. She had a lifelong love for reading and writing and enjoyed spending time in her yard cultivating all types of exotic plants, even a banana tree. Throughout her life, Lillie shared her many talents and passions with her children and grandchildren leaving a legacy of creativity, care, and dedication.
She continued her education at Universal Business College, earning her Senior Secretarial Degree in 1953. In later years, she pursued her deep interest in biblical studies, graduating with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies (2014), Master of Theology (2015), and Doctorate of Theology
(2016) from Midwestern College of Theology and Temple of Deliverance College of Theology.
At the age of 87, with the support of her eldest son, Carl Jr., she published The Journey, a faith- driven dissertation that became an Amazon #2 new release in Christian literature.
Her legacy lives on through her courage, vision, and unshakable faith in God, Jesus Christ, and
the Holy Spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her — a devoted mother, mentor, and spiritual guide whose wisdom, warmth, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on everyone she touched. Precious memories of Lillie will be cherished by her eight children, Dr. Avis (Samuel) Thompson Sr of Beattyville, Kentucky, Elder Mark (Teresa) Prude of Paducah, Kentucky, Vian
(Eric) Bass of St. Charles, Missouri, Lili (Reverend Lorne Sr.) St. Christopher of Edwardsville, IL, Dona (Kevin) Prude of Arlington, TX, Paul (Karmilia) Prude of East St. Louis, Illinois, and
Dr. Dwan (LaChelle) Prude of Florissant, Missouri; 37 grandchildren— five raised in Lee Co. Samuel (Rochelle) Thompson Jr, Matescia (Anthony) Stroud, Ewan (Martha) Thompson I, Dr. Joi (Dr. Roger) Richardson Sr., Johnnie (Deborah) Green I., etc..; 44 great grandchildren, and 24 great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Annie McCraney of Bellafontaine, Missouri and Marcella Lewis of East St. Louis, Illinois; in-laws, Eloise Bush, George (Alice) Prude of Fairview Heights, Illinois, Jackie (LaVonne) Prude of Cahokia, Illinois, Gwendolia Wright of Flint, Michigan, Minnie Prude of Columbia, South Carolina and Lucille Prude of East St. Louis, Illinois.
Services; Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Bride of Christ COGIC – 2642 Market St. East St. Louis, IL. 62207 Celebration of Life Service at Greater New Covenant COGIC, 8625 State St. East St. Louis, IL., on Monday, June 9, 2025:
Interment at Jefferson Barracks, 1 Jefferson Barracks Dr., St. Louis, MO.
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