Charles E. Lilley

Charles Lilley was born on December 15, 1936, in Washington DC to the late Charles E. and Irene M. (Taylor) Lilley.  Mr. Lilley grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC.  He worked as an Electrical contractor for 50+ years and managed Lilley Electric Company with his brothers Norman & Roland.  His health started to fail slowly in early 2021 and was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma in 2022 which despite multiple treatment attempts, remained unchecked.  He still met each day and challenge with positive spirits.  Charlie entered hospice at the home he shared with his stepson Dan on February 17, 2023, but started a rapid decline which worsened until his death Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Charlie met and married Theresa (Kern) Lilley on June 25, 1990, whom he met at Grace Baptist Church in Bowie, MD.  They were together until her death in late 2021, and now are together again.  He still wore his wedding ring until the day he passed.  While Charlie had no children of his own, he accepted Theresa’s 3 grown children as his family and enjoyed spending time with them.  Helping family, friends, and friends of family (pretty near anybody) with electrical issues even after he retired.  Although he did start saying NO in the later years.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents Charles & Irene Lilley; his wife Theresa Kern Lilley; sister Carol Clements; brothers Earl, William, and Roland Lilley; and grandson Peter Nye.  He is survived by his sister Joyce (Fred) McKay; brothers Ralph (Nancy) Lilley; Norman (Connie) Lilley; and Raymond (Linda) Lilley; stepchildren Paula (Paul) Nye Demetriou; Philip Kern; and Daniel Kern. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Charlie did not want a big funeral.  There will be a private graveside service and burial.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to his favorite charity, The Salvation Army; or your own favorite charity in his name.