Lilly Alyce Rufus, 71, of Hallettsville, passed away August 25, 2010. She was born to the late Emmitt Godley and Selma Godley Taylor of Sublime, Texas on July 18, 1939. She attended Hallettsville High School and graduated as Valedictorian in 1957.

Lilly attended Huston-Tillotson College for 2 years. She was married to James Greydon Rufus Sr., in 1959. To this union was born 2 children, James Greydon Rufus Jr. and Anthony Dwayne Rufus.

Lilly completed her education at California State University in Hayward, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters Degree. She was employed by the State of California as a Tax Auditor, where she retired in 1990.

Lilly joined Orange Grove Baptist Church in Sublime, Texas at an early age. Later she united with the Jehovah's Witnesses in Minneapolis and was active with congregations in Oakland, California; Stockton, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Shiner, Texas.

Lilly was an avid gardener, reader, quilter, and canner.

Lilly leaves to mourn: her son Anthony D. Rufus; her mother Selma Godley Taylor; brother Elgria Godley & wife Gracie; sisters, Elaine Williams, and Emeta Gibson & husband Charles; two granddaughters; one great granddaughter; five nephews; three nieces; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Lilly was preceded in death by her father, the late Emmitt Godley, and her son James Greydon Rufus Jr.

Funeral Service: 11 am, Saturday, August 28, 2010, at Kubena Funeral Home. Visitation: 5 pm, Friday at Kubena Funeral Home. Burial: Good Hope Cemetery, Hallettsville, Texas.

For Map of Good Hope Cemetery, go to "Links".