Lillie B. Witherspoon Jackson

Lillie B. Witherspoon Jackson was born in Gee’s Bend Alabama in 1952. Lillie is the daughter of Clara Watson (1923–2014), a renowned Quiltmaker who supported and influenced Lillie’s quilt making practice. Lillie’s cousin, Estelle Witherspoon, founded and was the longtime Director of, the Freedom Quilting Bee.

At the age of 11, Lillie marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other members of the Freedom Quilting Bee for the Civil Rights Movement.  Lillie gathered with others outside Brown Chapel to march from Selma to Montgomery and witnessed the tragic violence of Bloody Sunday. Lillie was part of the pivotal group of activists whose quilt making and organizational work directly supported the Civil Rights Movement. Lillie raised three children and now has seven grandchildren. Following retirement, Lillie has become more active as a quilt maker and continues to quilt today.

Lillie B Witherspoon Jackson was featured in the following gallery exhibition:

My Way: Gee's Bend Today, Nicelle Beauchene Gallery, New York, 2025.

 

Click Here to find available work by Lillie B. Witherspoon Jackson