LONOKE — Steven Jay Lilly,

69, of Lonoke, went to his heavenly home Thursday on May 6, 2021.

He was born February 3, 1952 to the late Joe Henry and Leara Deanne Lilly. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gabrielle Kurz Lilly, Father-inlaw, Albert Kurz, and sister, Linda Buffalo. After attending Dollarway High School, he graduated from Lonoke in 1970. Steven attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a degree in Geography. He was a lifelong learner receiving various master’s degrees. He worked at his grandparents’ store during his younger years. He began teaching special education and later taught sixth grade at Lonoke. Steven became principal of Lonoke Elementary School for 12 years. He was given the opportunity to become the adult education director for Lonoke and Prairie Counties. He loved working to help students receive their GED. A highlight of his teaching career was teaching adult ESL students. Steven received the Kiwanis Educator of the Year Award. He impacted many during his teaching career. He was a Mason.

He filled in his dash with lots of traveling which was a passion he instilled in his children.

They visited all 50 states and traveled abroad extensively. Steven loved attending plays, musicals, reading, shopping, and visiting his many friends. He was always willing to help others. He loved family gatherings, class reunions, his cats, and his grandchildren. Those that knew Steven well, knew he had a nickname for almost everyone and was a prankster.

Left to cherish his memories are his sons Jay Lilly (Monaliza) of Merrimack, Mass. and Orion Lilly(Wendy) of Cabot,AR; grandchildren Albert Henry Lilly and Bianca Gabriella Lilly; brother Joe Lilly(Deborah); sister Leara Beth Carmical (Donny); mother-in-law Beta Kurz; caregiver and companion Hosam Haroobi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members ( Lilly, Kurz, Munnerlyn), and friends that were family.

A special thanks goes out to all the medical staff that helped Steven during his illness. He and his family will forever be grateful to you.

Funeral service will be at Lonoke Baptist Church Monday, May 10th, at 10 a.m. with Father Charles Thessing officiating. Burial will follow at the Lonoke Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation in memory of Steven.

Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.net.