Lillian (Bigelow) Bullock

Lillian Anne Bullock (formerly Bigelow) was born in Yanceyville, NC on April 7, 1940. She was the youngest of 6 siblings born to Ulysses G. Bigelow Jr. and Mallie E. Poole Bigelow, all raised on the farm in Yanceyville, NC. Shortly after graduating high school, Lillian moved to Mount Vernon, NY where she lived until her retirement in 2000. Lillian moved back down south to Stone Mountain, GA upon retirement, where she lived until she departed this life to be with the Lord.

Lillian gave her life to Christ while she was in middle school. She was an active member of the Graves Chapel Baptist Church in Yanceyville, NC, where she served as a choir member and youth leader. Upon moving north to Mt. Vernon, NY, Lillian joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she was the first female trustee Chairperson on the executive team.

Lillian represented her community as a civil and social leader. Specifically, she was the President of the “Just Us” civic organization in Mt. Vernon, NY, where the mission was to give back to the community through mentorship and training for at risk youth. Additionally, as a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, she always lent her time, money and resources to community events such as charitable fundraisers (they still talk about her legendary potato salad), marathons and clothing drives.

Lillian worked diligently for 27 years, and despite the challenges, carved a lane in the United States Postal Service by breaking the glass ceiling for African Americans and women. She began her management career as the Tour Supervisor in Mt. Vernon, NY. She continued to matriculate through management, and went to Elmsford, NY as the Postal Plant Manager. By focusing on the customer experience and valuing employees, Lillian was eventually promoted to Acting Postmaster in Hartsdale, NY. Lillian concluded her career as the Section Center Manager in Harrison, NY, presiding over several counties and states; She was the first African American to rise to that level. 

Not one to sit around and age, Lillian made the most of her post retirement life. Her civic duty and dedication to Christ’s teachings never waned. Lillian was a regular volunteer with My Sister’s House, where she donated her skills as a volunteer cosmetologist. Additionally, Lillian was an avid quilt maker, often spending time at the Lou Walker Senior Center, learning and teaching the craft.  She was also the charter member and “mother” of the Community Christian Church in Decatur, GA. Hailing back to her farming roots, Lillian loved to work in her garden where she grew seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs. Lillian enjoyed local and international travel and made several trips to the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean. She also loved rooting for (and criticizing) her favorite teams, the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Falcons.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories and to carry on her legacy: her children Elaine E. Press of Stone Mountain, GA, Henri V. Bullock IV, and daughter-in-love Sandra Bullock, both of Thiells, NY; One sister-in-love, Mattie Bigelow (Graves); Her three grandchildren, Jason Press of Atlanta, GA, Jessica M. Bullock and Henri V. Bullock V both of Thiells, NY; Great grandmother to Caleb M. Press, Crista M. Press and Cason M. Press, all of Atlanta, GA.; 6 siblings preceded her in death, Charlie S. Blackwell, Sr., James Edward Bigelow, Troy Lee Bigelow, Ruby Elizabeth Love, Arthur Junior Bigelow, and Claude Douglas Bigelow. She is beloved by all her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian (Bigelow) Bullock, please visit our floral store.