She is survived by her sister and her children:
Honoring the life of Lillie Tsimpides Babakitis, who came from one of the first families during the start of the Greek community in Birmingham, Alabama in 1910.
Lillie was the middle of seven children, born to George (1885-1946) and Theohari Tsimpides (1889-1965) with her brothers and sisters Andrew (1917-2011), Lycurgus (1918-2008) (Cuttie), Theodore (1920-1984), Kristine (1923-1991), Mary, Married to Tommy Jebeles, and youngest Daughter Cleopatra (1929-2015) (Cleo), married to Nick Costas (1927-2012).
At an early age, she learned how to cook under the tutelage of her mother, and all the Greek food and pastry recipes continue to be handed down through generations.
This talent, combined with her beauty and magnetic personality, charmed patrons at her father's popular restaurant, Charlie's Cafe, in Birmingham, Alabama. Charlie's was located adjacent to the municipal auditorium and across the street from the Birmingham courthouse, so it hosted many celebrities, politicians, and other influential people.
Her natural beauty shined, as she was honored as "The Most Beautiful Greek" by AHEPA in 1940, at the age of 20. It was an honor that followed her to this day, as she is still the talk of the town. Lillie's life was destined to become even more magnificent when a young Air Force Captain from New York, Nicholas Babakitis (1919-2006), was swept off his feet by her beauty, wit, and elegance.
They were married on September 12th, 1944 in Birmingham and traveled around the world through Nicholas' work in the Army, Air Force, Navy, and NASA. Nicholas served on Von Braun's staff as a nuclear physicist and mathematician. Together they enjoyed more than life had to offer.
Throughout history, a lily has symbolized beauty, purity, virtue, fertility, transformation, rebirth, and devotion. The lily is considered so perfect that it inspires all that comes near it. This could not be a more perfect description of our Lillie. She was always the magnet that brought us all together. Mother/YiaYia you live in our hearts forever.
Until we meet again. We Love You and Miss You More Than You Know!
The funeral will be held on Monday, December 20th, 2021, at 10:00 AM At The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1973 E Maryland Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
The live stream is on Facebook: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral-Phoenix Arizona. Following the Church Services, a Lunch Celebration will be held at: Avanti Restaurant 2728 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, Arizona.
Burial Services will be held on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021, at 9:00 AM At Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Cave Creek 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, Arizona.
She is survived by her sister and her children:
Honoring the life of Lillie Tsimpides Babakitis, who came from one of the first families during the start of the Greek community in Birmingham, Alabama in 1910.
Lillie was the middle of seven children, born to George (1885-1946) and Theohari Tsimpides (1889-1965) with her brothers and sisters Andrew (1917-2011), Lycurgus (1918-2008) (Cuttie), Theodore (1920-1984), Kristine (1923-1991), Mary, Married to Tommy Jebeles, and youngest Daughter Cleopatra (1929-2015) (Cleo), married to Nick Costas (1927-2012).
At an early age, she learned how to cook under the tutelage of her mother, and all the Greek food and pastry recipes continue to be handed down through generations.
This talent, combined with her beauty and magnetic personality, charmed patrons at her father's popular restaurant, Charlie's Cafe, in Birmingham, Alabama. Charlie's was located adjacent to the municipal auditorium and across the street from the Birmingham courthouse, so it hosted many celebrities, politicians, and other influential people.
Her natural beauty shined, as she was honored as "The Most Beautiful Greek" by AHEPA in 1940, at the age of 20. It was an honor that followed her to this day, as she is still the talk of the town. Lillie's life was destined to become even more magnificent when a young Air Force Captain from New York, Nicholas Babakitis (1919-2006), was swept off his feet by her beauty, wit, and elegance.
They were married on September 12th, 1944 in Birmingham and traveled around the world through Nicholas' work in the Army, Air Force, Navy, and NASA. Nicholas served on Von Braun's staff as a nuclear physicist and mathematician. Together they enjoyed more than life had to offer.
Throughout history, a lily has symbolized beauty, purity, virtue, fertility, transformation, rebirth, and devotion. The lily is considered so perfect that it inspires all that comes near it. This could not be a more perfect description of our Lillie. She was always the magnet that brought us all together. Mother/YiaYia you live in our hearts forever.
Until we meet again. We Love You and Miss You More Than You Know!
The funeral will be held on Monday, December 20th, 2021, at 10:00 AM At The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1973 E Maryland Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
The live stream is on Facebook: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral-Phoenix Arizona. Following the Church Services, a Lunch Celebration will be held at: Avanti Restaurant 2728 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, Arizona.
Burial Services will be held on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021, at 9:00 AM At Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Cave Creek 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, Arizona.
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