Lillian J. "Lila" "Lily J." Alston Bivins, 63, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Putnam Community Medical Center, Palatka. The daughter of Rev. Theodore Alston and Evelyn (Smith) Alston, she was born on Wednesday, September 25, 1957. She was educated in the Putnam County School District. She was a 1975 graduate of Palatka South High School. Lillian graduated from the University of Florida, Gainesville and Spelman University, Atlanta, GA. She also obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Bethune Cookman University, Daytona. She served as an usher at Bethlehem Baptist Church and a former member and Deaconess at Mt. Tabor. Lillian was employed by the Putnam County School System for 21 years. She worked at various elementary schools, including: Browning Pearce, Kelley Smith, Moseley, Mellon, and also, Beasley Middle School. She tutored children throughout Putnam County. She was a proud member of the Zeta Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. and a former director of the Zeta Archonette Youth Club. Lillian enjoyed sowing, reading, baking, dancing, and teaching.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in eternal rest by her brother, Dane Edwards; maternal grandparents, Moses D. Smith & Shirley Fields Smith; aunt, Mozean S. Greene; uncle, Eugene Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memories: life partner, Bernard McCaskill; mother, Evelyn S. Green; daughters, Danielle (James Preston, Jr.) Brown, Palatka; Alexis (Quentin Lee, Sr.) Bivins, Palatka; honorary daughter , Carl'Meka Holcy, Green Cove Springs; grandson, D'Andre Carr; 2 sisters, Shirley Edwards, Brenda Dixon; brother, David (Permelia) Green; nieces, Latara Edmonds, Justina Green, Jasmine Green, Dashea Green, D'Ariel Session; nephew, Sharrieff Woodson; godchildren, Shakakan Ellis-Stamper, Janessa Harris; and a host of cousins, friends, family, students, and her daughters' friends who she called her own.

(Mandatory CDC guidelines for social distancing and masks required): Visitation of family and friends will be 1-2 p.m. with Celebration of Life commencing at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 4 at Putnam County Fairgrounds, 118 Fairgrounds Rd., East Palatka, Florida. Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor, Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, Palatka, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.