Lillie Hom Gee

Gee, Lillie Hom

Lillie Hom Gee, 88, passed away peacefully in her Metairie home on September 24, 2019. Born at the Magazine Street homestead, she is the last of the Hom Clan to be laid to rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Yeun L. Gee; her son R. Keith Gee, and her parents, Hom Doe and Wong Shee Hom. Lillie is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Cindy) Gee Yee, DDS, son-in-law Darryl Yee, and grandson Thomas (Tommy) Yee.

Lillie was a proud native of New Orleans. She graduated from Sophie B. Wright High School where she served as Student Body President her senior year. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from LSU in elementary education. Shortly after she married Yeun, they briefly moved to St. Louis for one of Yeun’s engineering projects. During this time, Lillie taught 1st grade. They returned to New Orleans, and in the next few years, Lillie officially became a stay-at-home mother to Keith and Cindy.

In the early 1970’s, Yeun and Lillie were co-owners of the first Chinese take-out restaurant on Vets in Metairie, Takee Out. Lillie delighted in greeting the customers, filling their orders, and forging many great friendships. It was rare for her to be out and not to be recognized as “the lady from Takee Out” or as one of the “Hom sisters”.

Lillie had many passions. She loved the New Orleans Saints and was a season ticket holder since its first year. Her dream came true in 2010 when she and Keith attended Super Bowl XLIV to witness the Saints victory. It was only during football season that you may have noticed Lillie missing from her usual back, left pew on Sundays. She was a lifelong, faithful member of the Chinese Presbyterian Church, having served in many capacities. She sang in the choir, volunteered as an Elder, Deacon, Women’s Circle, and taught Sunday School, just to name a few.

When Carnival season rolled around, Lillie loved to go to parades and collect her loot. Mardi Gras was in her blood and standing on a ladder in a sea of waving hands made her happy. Some of her other hobbies were bowling, weekly bridge games at the Senior Center, and playing Pokeno with the girls.

   Most of all, Lillie loved her family. She was an extremely proud mother and grandmother. After Cindy married and moved to California to start her own family, they continued to speak daily. Lillie regularly spoke with Tommy, the latest of which, was the evening before she departed. His last words to her were always “I love you Granny, good night.” Cindy was fortunate to be in town on one of her many visits when Lillie calmly took her last breath. Lillie’s passing was preceded by all of her siblings. She is survived by a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their extended families.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Monty Glorioso for his friendship, generosity and exceptional care which he provided to Lillie. Both appreciation and heartfelt thanks are also given to her many nurses and especially her 24/7 caregivers. Lillie will be remembered and missed by many.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral services at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd. in New Orleans on Saturday, October 19, 2019. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. with the service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place after the service in Greenwood Cemetery. Please join the family for a memorial luncheon which will follow. In her honor, donations may be made to the Chinese Presbyterian Church, 2901 W. Esplanade Avenue, Kenner, Louisiana 70065 or to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com.

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