Charles Drew University flag flies at half mast for Lillian Mobley photo credit LAURELL L. BLACK
In a show of the greatest honor and respect, Dr. David M. Carlisle, president of Charles Drew University, ordered the university flag to be lowered to half-mast for Mother Mobley
On hearing the news of her passing, Dr. David M. Carlisle, president of Charles Drew University, ordered the university flag to be lowered to half-mast for Mother Mobley, and he then issued the following statement: “Mrs. Mobley dedicated her life to serving the poor, she was a tireless force for helping others in need, and for holding those in charge to their promises.”
Then he added that she once described her philosophy this way: “I have to keep going…If I lie down and feel sorry for myself, they might as well call the undertaker. The challenges of life just keep me going, because there is still work to be done.”
Not only did Mother Mobley play an integral part in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. hospital, but according to her son, she also was instrumental in the opening of the Charles Drew Medical School, which opened the doors for African-Americans and other minorities to train in the health care field. Matter of fact, the medical school supplied the hospital with doctors and other staffing needs; King hospital was eventually called King-Drew Hospital, and both institutions are lasting legacies of Mother Mobley.
Tributes continue pouring in on behalf of Mother Mobley:
CHARLES MOBLEY, her son
“My mother lived her life on her own terms, that’s what kept her going and she loved it. Her body wore down, and she got tired, and God said it was time. [But] she touched a lot of lives and a lot of people loved and respected her.”
CONGRESSWOMAN KAREN BASS (CA-33)
“If there was a matriarch or mother of Los Angeles activism, Lillian Mobley was certainly one of those Los Angeles mothers. And I think of her, and Mary Henry, and the work that they did together – you know going back as far as the 60s – especially and most notably, in the establishment of Martin Luther King Hospital.”
SENATOR CURREN PRICE (S-26)
“The loss of Mother Mobley is a loss for all of South Los Angeles, the community she loved and worked so tirelessly to empower and improve. As we mourn the loss of this incomparable crusader, we must pause and reflect on the legacy of courage and commitment that she leaves us. As forces move to divide and weaken us, we must work together in the same spirit of love and struggle that Mother Lillian showed us and we will honor her life and works and we will be successful.”
SUPERVISOR MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS (2ND District)
“Ms. Lillian Mobley was a spirit of compassion, and unselfishness. She will be remembered for a lifetime of service to South Los Angeles and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of its residents. Most of all, however, she will be remembered for her big heart. The entire city of Los Angeles owes her a debt of gratitude.”
CHARISSE BREMOND-WEAVER, (President/ CEO of Brotherhood Crusade)
“Lillian Mobley was the Queen of our community. She loved, served and advocated everyday of her life for the unmet needs of Black people and the community. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to learn from the best. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
JAN PERRY (C-9 and Council President Pro Tempore)
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long-time community advocate, leader, and friend–Lillian Mobley. Her tenacity and commitment to the people of our community was an inspiration. Ms. Mobley leaves a legacy of service by which she will always be remembered. “I was personally moved by her leadership in the fight against diabetes. She was an outspoken advocate on the issue and always challenged elected officials to develop creative solutions to build healthier communities. She was truly an angel in our midst.”
(As Council President Pro Tempore, Perry adjourned the Los Angeles City Council in Ms. Mobley’s memory on Tuesday, July 19).
DANNY TABOR (former mayor of Inglewood)
“Because of Lillian Mobley’s vision and compassion there is the Martin Luther King Hospital and the Charles Drew Medical School. It is because of frontline soldiers like her, thousands were educated and trained in the medical profession. Her courage and discontent with the status quo, gave her the ability to mobilize neighborhood and community support to go to the table and be heard. When I became elected into the Inglewood City Council she told me never forget the people I serve, and to keep their needs a priority. I appreciated her as a person and her ability to mobilize her neighbors.”
Mother Mobley is survived by her husband, James; three sons, Kenneth, Philip and Charles, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives.
FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD JULY 29, 11 a.m., AT WARD AME CHURCH, 11777 25th St., LOS ANGELES.
THE FAMILY REQUESTED THAT ALL CONDOLENCES BE SENT TO 1111 W. 51st STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90037.
