Lillie Mincey

Lillie “Lil” Mincey (née McKnight), age 79, of Hamden, Connecticut, peacefully departed this life on January 3, 2026. She was born on July 8, 1946, to the late Clarence and Sarah McKnight in Florence County, South Carolina. Lil graduated from Eastern High School in Sumter, South Carolina. In the late 60s, she relocated to Connecticut, where she built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. On December 17, 1977, Lil was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Leroy Mincey. They shared 42 blissful years until his passing in May 2020. She was employed by Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) for 29 years, during which she developed lifelong friendships. She later worked at Hamden Hall Country Day School from 1997 until 2020. Lil was a private childcare provider for Benjamin Levine for over a decade, with whom she shared a close and loving bond. She was a member of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut, where she faithfully served on the Annual Bazaar and Fashion Show Committee. Lil enjoyed shopping and spending time with family and friends. She formed lasting bonds beyond family ties, offering love, guidance, and support to many. She had a deep love for children and was affectionately known as “Aunt Lil” by many. Many found Lil to be a second mother, aunt, or sister. She possessed a special gift for making her family and friends feel seen, cherished, and loved. An exceptional hostess, Lil found great joy in cooking and entertaining, especially during holidays and summer gatherings. Lil’s quick wit and sharp comebacks were unmatched and unforgettable. Her warmth, generosity, and welcoming spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Carrie (David) Clark of Dallas, Texas; stepdaughters, Barbara Mincey of Hamden, Connecticut, and Darcel (Michael) Franklin of Chesapeake, Virginia; five grandchildren; Andre’ Sutton of New Haven, Connecticut, Falon Persley of Virginia Beach, Virginia, D’Naja Fleming of New Haven, Connecticut, Michaela and Deion Franklin of Chesapeake, Virginia, and four great granddaughters, Taela Sutton of Reidsville, North Carolina, Alaina Jones of New Haven, Connecticut, Jaelyn and Jrue Sutton of West Haven, Connecticut. One brother-in-law, Herschel Jenkins of Newark, New Jersey, one sister-in-law, Leatha Gyamfi of Bloomfield, New Jersey, and a host of other relatives, godchildren, and friends. She also shared a special and loving bond with her caregiver and goddaughter, NaKeysha Conyers. She was predeceased by her husband, Leroy Mincey; her parents, Clarence and Sarah McKnight; her brother, Clarence McKnight Jr.; her sister Helen Plowden; and her stepson, Denaris Fleming.

Lillie Mincey

July 8, 1946 - January 3, 2026