
Lillie B. Ransom (Teacher)
1929-08-26 2023-03-23Lillie continued her education and received her Bachelor's of Science from Huston Tillotson College in 1953, and her Masters of Education from the University of Texas in 1975. Her love of learning transformed into a love of teaching and kicked off a storied career of teaching math and science in Taylor and in Austin ISD for 35 years. She was selected to participate in the College Board's Project Equality Dialogue, she wrote curriculum for Project Jump Start, she was Teacher of the Year three times at McCallum, where she served as chair of the Mathematics Department for 19 years. In 1992 she received the Texas Excellence Award for Outstanding High School Teachers, and was recognized by Governor Ann Richards as the Outstanding Teacher of Texas in 1992.
Lillie's spiritual life began at the young age of 9, when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. Lillie joined Main East Austin Baptist Church, which became Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. She served tirelessly for her entire life at Mt. Sinai in many capacities. She wrote a booklet, a mini text book for church members that was used at Mt. Sinai member orientation classes, in the youth department, and in other churches in the community. She organized and chaired the Scholarship Committee, the Singles Ministry, and the InReach Committee. She taught Sunday School for over 65 years and was a part of both the Junior and Senior Mission Circles. For 16 of those years, Lillie served as The First Lady of Mt. Sinai during her marriage to Pastor F.C. Ransom (deceased). Her faith in God and her love for her church and family were the guiding forces in her life.
Lillie's union with Reverend Ransom resulted in the birth of 4 children, Chaurice Elaine Lartigue, Kerald Wayne Ransom (deceased), Cornelia "Connie" Faye Smith (deceased), and Earnest Rudell "Rudy" Ransom (deceased). She also had a stepson, Gerry Ransom (deceased). Preceding her in death are her parents: L.E. and L.B. Allen, and her Brothers Charles Allen and Donnie H. Allen.
Left to honor her memory are her daughter: Chaurice Lartigue, first cousin, Willie Wilkins, Grandchildren: KiRhone Ransom, Jamone Muhammad, Michon Lartigue, Kleshan Ransom, Jerome Smith, Jeremy Lartigue, Camille Smith, Jonas Smith, and Ayanna Ransom. Among her 12 great grandchildren that she loved dearly, she raised Dominque Smith as her own.
She welcomed many loved ones into her family circle including Linda Ransom Williams, Terry Noble, Aaliyah Miles, Rance Noble, Teri Hunter, and many others. Whether she was known as B.B., Maw Maw, Aunt Lillie B., or Ms. Ransom, she was beloved and will be remembered by an extended family of cousins, dear friends, church family, and countless others. This includes students who were impacted by her bright, witty, loyal, and fierce spirit.
Mrs Ransom changed my life, not in a subtle way, but in a “this is who I am hardwired to be forever” way that I will always lean on. I was terrible at math or to be more precise, thought math was terrible. I just couldn’t see the beautiful logic through the strain of rote memorization. Mrs Ransom and her geometry class changed that. Suddenly math was visual, logical, fun. Understanding was fun. Enjoying homework seemed like a miracle. But that’s not all she taught me about myself—she taught me that I was wired to teach and lead others. She channeled my enthusiasm and new love for math by regularly having me stand up in front of the class and demonstrate a solution on the graph board. It was probably the first time I ever earned an “A” in math, and perhaps more importantly, an “A” in life skills. Thank you, Mrs Ransom. My only regret is not telling you this in person. Please forgive me. I do love and honor you.
tribute by Lance Osborne