Lillian Vincent Dumas was the epitome of “southern hospitality” to her friends and family. “People” was what she was all about. Everyone was her friend and her friends stretched from Denham Springs, La. to Virginia, Savannah, Ga., and beyond. Caring for others was a priority in her life.
Lil and her husband, Harold Wallace Dumas, were both from Baton Rouge, La. They moved to Jackson, Miss., then Little Rock, Ark., next Roanoke, Va., and settled in Lynchburg, Va., to raise their children. Upon retirement, they moved back to Baton Rouge in 1980.
Subsequent to her husband’s passing, Lil moved to Gloucester, Va., to be near her son, Dr. Harold B. Dumas, and his family. She resided in Savannah, Ga., at her death on Dec. 30, 2012 at age 93, where she had been under the loving care of her daughter, Jody Dumas McGovern, since 2009.
This “lady” was an extraordinary cook as she introduced her famous gumbo to Virginia. A neophyte to golf at age 50, she soon was collecting trophies. More often than not, she came home with the quarters from winning bridge. Gardening and sewing gave her pleasure.
Most of all, Lillian was a wonderful mother to her children and a loving, devoted wife to her husband. She gave the greatest gift to her grandchildren … her time. Being the eldest of six siblings, she was affectionately known as “Aint Sister” to her Louisiana family. Many believe that she was more like her namesake, the renowned “Aint Lil,” than in name alone. Although, she did not say “aw shaw.”
Lil was a member of West Lynchburg Baptist Church and Bellamy United Methodist, The Fort Early Women’s Club, The Gloucester Woman’s Club and the Oakwood Country Club.
Mrs. Dumas was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Wallace Dumas; parents, Percy and Addie Hood Vincent, and siblings, Inez Vincent Kennedy, Elmer Vincent and Sydney Vincent.
Lillian is survived by her two children, Jody Dumas McGovern of Savannah, Ga., and Dr. Harold B. Dumas (Kathy) of Gloucester, Va.; a sister, Margie Parker; a brother, Marvin Vincent, both of La.; four grandchildren, Lisa Dumas Blow (Cmdr. James), Dr. Meghan McGovern Bromberg (Dr. William), Meredith McGovern Roberson (Steve), and the Rev. Sarah Dumas Locke (Joseph); and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70815 on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at 12 noon. The funeral service, conducted by the Rev. Sarah Dumas Locke, will immediately follow at Greenoaks Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Greenoaks Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Savannah Hospice.