WATERBURY — It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ms. Lillie Bell (Griffin) Crosby shares the news of her peaceful passing on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Lutheran Home of Southbury, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved widow of Mr. DeNorris D. Crosby.

Lillie B. Crosby was born on September 4, 1934, in Columbia, SC, daughter of the late Maceo and Nancy (Jacobs) Griffin. As a young girl, she and her family relocated to Waterbury, Connecticut, where she completed her education and graduated from Crosby High School.

In 1964, Lillie met the love of her life, the late DeNorris D. Crosby. It was a love that came as though written in the stars, and the two were married that November. They made their home first in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and then in 1965 settled in Monroe, Connecticut, where they would reside for more than 56 years.

Though Lillie and DeNorris did not have biological children, their home was filled with the love of nieces and nephews who were cherished as their own. Among them was her special nephew, John F. Kinion III, who spent his formative years living with “Aunt Lil and Uncle D” and was raised as one of their own. That love extended to John’s family once he married and had his children, Tiffany and Andre Kinion. Later in life, Lillie and DeNorris raised their special niece, Mayonasia Jones, who was lovingly welcomed into their home at a young age. That same devotion extended to Mayonasia’s son, Rey, from the moment he was born.

Lillie built a distinguished professional life beginning at Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET), where she rose to an executive position and became the first Black female manager in the company’s history. After a successful career there, she retired in the 1980s and then embraced a second calling by pursuing higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Office Management and Administration from Teikyo Post University, followed by a Master of Science in Health and Human Services from the University of Bridgeport.

She later brought her knowledge and experience to higher education, serving as a Lecturer in Business Office Technology at Housatonic Community-Technical College throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Lillie’s heart was deeply rooted in service, advocacy, and the betterment of her people and community. Her commitment was reflected in the many roles she held, including Minority Fellow with the Connecticut Community Technical Colleges’ Minority Fellowship Program, where she was recognized for advancing educational opportunities. She also served on the Connecticut African-American Affairs Commission, the Connecticut Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. In addition, she was an active member of the National Political Congress of Black Women, the NAACP, and numerous civic organizations, both local and national, remaining steadfast in her dedication to education, equity, equality, and community progress.

Her passion for politics and public service was evident in the countless hours she devoted to volunteer work for leaders and causes she believed in, from Shirley Chisholm to Jahana Hayes and many others along the way. She often traveled to Hartford and Washington, D.C., lending her time, voice, and energy to grassroots efforts because she understood the power of collective action and the importance of civic engagement.

Even while giving so much of herself to others, Lillie and DeNorris made time to enjoy the life they had built together. They traveled the world, visiting Africa, Barbados, islands throughout the Caribbean, South Carolina, California and many places beyond. Lillie believed deeply in the importance of living life to its fullest, loving generously, and making memories along the way. She also treasured family above all else. To know the Crosby’s was to know the warmth of their hospitality on Pepper Street. Her door was always open, and her embrace was always welcoming. Holidays, celebrations, and everyday gatherings were made brighter by her presence, and she took great pride in opening her home to family and friends whenever she could. Her love for her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins was boundless. Whether expressed through a telephone call, a shopping trip, a vacation, a ride to or from college, or a simple dinner out, Aunt Lil’s love never failed to reach those she held dear.

Lillie’s final years were made comfortable by the compassionate staff at the Village at East Farms and The Lutheran Home of Southbury, and her family remains deeply grateful for the care and kindness she received.

Left to cherish her memory and legacy are her brother, Robert Griffin of Waterbury; Mayonashia Jones and Rey Grout of Waterbury; sisters-in-law Eleanor Turner of New Haven, Elene Crosby of Stratford, Joyce Griffin of West Haven, and brother-in-law Thomas Lee Vaughn Crosby of Bridgeport; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. DeNorris D. Crosby; her parents, Maceo and Nancy Griffin; her siblings, Maceo Griffin Jr., Annie L. Kinion, Clara B. Yates, and Jimmie L. Griffin; and several nephews, Elgin Yates, Dennis Kinion, John F. Kinion III, Rock Kinion, Greg Yates, and Kevin Griffin. She was also predeceased by her niece, Kimberly Kinion.

May her life be remembered as a blessing, her strength as an example, and her love as a gift that endures. She walked with grace, stood with dignity, served with purpose, and loved her family deeply. After nearly 92 beautiful years, may she now rest in God’s eternal peace, reunited with those who went before her and forever cherished in the hearts of those who remain.

Funeral services for Ms. Crosby will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1987 East Main St Waterbury, CT 06705. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Lil’s family from 10:00 a.m. until the service commences at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Lil to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.