Josiah "J.C" Lilly

Josiah "J.C." Lilly, age 78, of Ghent, WV went to be with our Lord Saturday, June 27, 2026 peacefully at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.

Born March 8, 1948 in Ghent, WV he was the son of the late Landon and Wylma Lilly.

J.C. spent 45 years in the coal mines working long days and nights, working his way from a red hat to mining superintendent. While on the job, he made sure everything was always done right. Even after retirement, he talked about how much he loved and missed the mines. He was a faithful member of Flat Top Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He loved his church and his Sunday drives, traveling, NASCAR, gardening, entertaining family and friends, and working around his home. Anyone who got the pleasure of knowing him loved him. He will be missed greatly.

J.C. was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Geraldine "Jerri" Lilly, siblings, Orlie Lilly and Maxine Lilly-Gillenwater, children, Nicholas Sanna Jr., daughter Marchia Hovatter and her husband Timothy.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son Michael Sanna, grandchildren, Carrie Wills (Jon), Aleyia Debose (Jerrod) and Jesse Sanna. Great grandchildren, Addison Thompson (Savannah) and Ayden Roark. A great great grandchild, Parker Thompson. Sister, Nell Jean Longo, sister-in-law, Leona Holstein (Rev. Paul Holstein) along with nieces Angela Smith and Greta Walker.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia in honor of J.C.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Amos E. Quesenberry Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring, WV with Pastor Mike McQuillen officiating. Burial will follow at Tom Lilly Cemetery, Ghent, WV. Friends may visit with the family from 12 PM until service time on Friday at the funeral home.

Family will serve as pallbearers.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.