On May 23, 2025, the Lord, in His perfect wisdom, called Donald Ray Lilley Sr. home to eternal rest. Though our hearts ache in his absence and we miss him beyond words, we trust in the loving arms of Jesus, who knew it was time for His faithful servant to be at peace. His journey touched many lives, his laughter echoed through countless memories, and his legacy remains etched in the hearts of all who knew him.

Donald entered this world on March 19, 1953 in Gates County, North Carolina, born to the late Welton Lee Lilley Sr. and Evelyn Kee Lilley. He was raised with strong values and a deep sense of purpose. He gave his life to Christ at age 12, at Joppa Baptist Church in Hobbsville, North Carolina. He attended Gates County Public Schools before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina A&T State University. He later pursued higher learning and obtained a master's degree from Loyola University.

With a heart for shaping young minds and a firm belief in the power of education, Donald devoted more than 30 years of service to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools system. He wasn't just an educator; he was a mentor, a motivator, and a steady force in the lives of countless students.

His journey in Anne Arundel County Public Schools began as an art teacher at Severna Park Junior High (now Severna Park Middle School), where he brought color and creativity into the lives of his students. Recognized for his leadership and vision, he transitioned into administrative roles, serving at Lindale Middle School and Annapolis Middle School before ultimately becoming the Principal of Annapolis High School. There, he was not only a leader but a pillar of strength and integrity—firm, fair, and unwavering in his commitment to excellence. In August of 2003, he was honored with the Governor's Citation from former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, and in 2010, he received the Maryland State Principal of the Year award. He concluded his distinguished career in a leadership position at the Board of Education before retiring.

In 1977, Donald pledged and crossed into the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., proudly joining one of the most esteemed fraternities in the nation. His dedication to the fraternity's principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift was evident in both word and deed. He was honored twice as "Omega Man of the Year," receiving the distinction in two different decades—testaments to his enduring impact and leadership within the brotherhood.

Donald's faith anchored his life. As a dedicated member of Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church, he gave his time and voice to various ministries, including the United Methodist Men, Mass Choir, and Rejoicing Grace Singers. His commitment also extended to establishing the Dr. Ronald Ward Scholarship Fund, championing the cause of education for future generations.

He was a faithful and loving husband, a steadfast protector and guiding light to his children, a devoted son, and a sharply dressed, wise-cracking, yet deeply affectionate brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Preceding him in death was his mother Evelyn, father Welton Sr and brother Michael.

He leaves to cherish his laughs, love, and legacy to his wife: Ida Joanne Lilley; his children, Donald Ray Lilley Jr. (Sabina) and Brittany Cherie Dennis (Larry); sister, Vivian Lilley Gills; brothers, Wellton Jr. (Cynthia), Danny, and Tavis Lilley (Miranda); three nieces, Natasha Jennings, Michelle Lilley, and Maya Pack; five devoted nephews, Ivan, Danny Jr., Derrick, and Zachary Lilley; three grandchildren; Donald Lilley III, Levi Dennis, Milan Dennis, and  two embraced granddaughters, Nadia and Faith Dennis; seven aunts: Mary Thornton, Virginia Young, Vaneta Kee, Dora Kee, Betty Denny (Ras), Laura Kee, and Ruby Kee; one uncle, George Kee (Peggy); one brother in law, Wesley White (Barbara), one sister in law, Cherry White; his best friend Donnell Beamon and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, loved ones, fraternity brothers and friends.

To know Donald Ray Lilley Sr. was to know strength wrapped in love and discipline, often delivered with a side of dry humor. If you spent any time with him, it wasn't long before he cracked a joke or gave you that unmistakable look that said more than words ever could. As the patriarch of our generation, he stood firm on the belief of family over everything and lived that principle day in and out.

To his siblings, he was the quiet storm—never the first to stir trouble, but always the one to pull you out of it, sometimes with a scolding, sometimes with a smirk.

To his nieces and nephews, "Uncle Donald" was the stern voice of reason, the one who wouldn't hesitate to set you straight, and then wrap it all up with a heartfelt "I love you" that left no doubt where you stood.

To his children, he was the foundation—unyielding in his expectations, unwavering in his love. He pushed them hard because he believed in them deeply. He gave everything so they could walk into the world with strength, dignity, and faith in their stride.

And to his beloved wife, the steady hand in chaos, the strength behind her strength. He was her partner and road mate in every sense.

So today is not for sorrow, but for honoring a life fully lived. This is a day to celebrate the legacy of a man who loved fiercely, stood firmly, and gave his all—Donald Ray Lilley Sr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 2nd Annual Uplift Foundation Golf ClassiQ. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund which provides scholarships to students in Anne Arundel county who are pursuing higher education. This golf tournament will later be renamed "The Donald R. Lilley Sr. Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing".

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Family & friends may visit on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.

A fraternal service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 9:00 am in Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church, 429 Asbury Dr, Severna Park, MD 21146. A visitation will follow from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a funeral service to start at 11:00 am.

Interment in the church cemetery.