Mother Lillian Brooks Coffey: A Beacon of Leadership
In the annals of church history, there are luminaries whose names evoke reverence and admiration. Among them stands Mother Lillian Brooks Coffey, affectionately known as “Little Lillian.” She wasn’t just a woman but a visionary, a beacon of faith and leadership. Her journey began in Memphis, Tennessee where, as a child, she encountered Bishop C. H. Mason, the founder of the church to which she would dedicate her life. Invited to Sunday School by her grandfather, a Baptist minister, little Lillian found herself under the tutelage of Bishop Mason, who ignited her spiritual journey with the teachings of Jesus delivered in a childlike manner. From that moment, her path was set.
As she matured, Bishop Mason’s influence only deepened. She imbibed the scriptures, reading the Bible cover to cover annually, a testament to her unwavering commitment to faith. Traveling alongside Bishop Mason, she absorbed his teachings and shared her talents, reading and singing during his sermons. His guidance became paternal when tragedy struck, and she found herself orphaned. She served as his secretary for twenty-one years, later assuming the role of assistant financial secretary before ascending to General Supervisor in 1945.
Mother Coffey’s legacy extends far beyond her administrative roles. She was a titan of the organization and instrumental in expanding and fortifying auxiliary programs within the church. The list of units and helps she pioneered is staggering, from the Missionary Circle to the Usher Board, each a testament to her dedication to fostering a vibrant, supportive community. Her passion for mission work led her to establish the Lillian Brooks Coffey Rest Home in Detroit, Michigan, embodying her belief in caring for those in need.
Yet, it was in 1951 that Mother Coffey’s vision indeed crystallized. Burdened by the plight of suffering missionaries and their fields, she conceived the Women’s International Convention in Los Angeles, California. Fueled by her dream of a better way to support missions, this groundbreaking event saw one hundred women board the “Coffey Train,” each paying $100.00 towards the cause. Their collective contribution of $10,000, carried in a humble brown paper bag, symbolized their unwavering commitment to spreading the light of faith across the globe.
Her tenure as a leader spanned fourteen conventions, each a testament to her unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. Even in her passing in 1964, Mother Coffey’s influence endures. Her timeless words echo through the corridors of time, reminding us that while methods may evolve, the core principles of faith and gratitude remain steadfast. As we gather around meal tables, her blessing serves as a poignant reminder: “We make no excuse for the things which we have, for that which we have, the Lord has provided, and we are thankful.” Indeed, the legacy of this amazing woman birthed, nurtured, and cradled in the “Delta, Deep in the South” lives on, an eternal flame illuminating the path of faith for generations to come.