Lillie B Ransom

Lillie Bernice Ransom was born on August 26th, 1929 in Manor, Texas.  She was the first of three children of L.E. and L.B. Allen. In her early years she learned letters of the alphabet and numbers from a large wall calendar. By the time she was 6, she could read well and had an affinity for numbers. This kicked off a lifelong love of learning. Her education started in a one room school-house in Littig, until her family moved to Austin. There her education continued at The Old Olive Street School, Kealing Jr. High, and then the Old Anderson High School where she graduated in 1945 at the young age of 15. 

Lillie continued her education and received her Bachelor’s of Science from Huston Tillotson College in 1953, and her Masters of Education from the University of Texas in 1975. Her love of learning transformed into a love of teaching and kicked off a storied career of teaching math and science in Taylor and in Austin ISD for 35 years.  She was selected to participate in the College Board’s Project Equality Dialogue, she wrote curriculum for Project Jump Start, she was Teacher of the Year three times at McCallum, where she served as chair of the Mathematics Department for 19 years. In 1992 she received the Texas Excellence Award for Outstanding High School Teachers, and was recognized by Governor Ann Richards as the Outstanding Teacher of Texas in 1992.

Lillie’s spiritual life began at the young age of 9, when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. Lillie joined Main East Austin Baptist Church, which became Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. She served tirelessly for her entire life at Mt. Sinai in many capacities. She wrote a booklet, a mini text book for church members that was used at Mt. Sinai member orientation classes, in the youth department, and in other churches in the community. She organized and chaired the Scholarship Committee, the Singles Ministry, and the InReach Committee.  She taught Sunday School for over 65 years and was a part of both the Junior and Senior Mission Circles. For 16 of those years, Lillie served as The First Lady of Mt. Sinai during her marriage to Pastor F.C. Ransom (deceased).  Her faith in God and her love for her church and family were the guiding forces in her life.

Lillie’s union with Reverend Ransom resulted in the birth of 4 children, Chaurice Elaine Lartigue, Kerald Wayne Ransom (deceased), Cornelia “Connie” Faye Smith (deceased), and Earnest Rudell “Rudy” Ransom (deceased). She also had a stepson, Gerry Ransom (deceased). Preceding her in death are her parents: L.E. and L.B. Allen, and her Brothers Charles Allen and Donnie H. Allen. 

Left to honor her memory are her daughter: Chaurice Lartigue, first cousin, Willie Wilkins, Grandchildren: KiRhone Ransom, Jamone Muhammad, Michon Lartigue, Kleshan Ransom, Jerome Smith, Jeremy Lartigue, Camille Smith, Jonas Smith, and Ayanna Ransom. Among her 12 great grandchildren that she loved dearly, she raised Dominque Smith as her own. She welcomed many loved ones into her family circle including Linda Ransom Williams, Terry Noble, Aaliyah Miles, Rance Noble, Teri Hunter, and many others. Whether she was known as B.B., Maw Maw, Aunt Lillie B., or Ms. Ransom, she was beloved and will be remembered by an extended family of cousins, dear friends, church family, and countless others. This includes students who were impacted by her bright, witty, loyal, and fierce spirit. 

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