Lilian Pawley Sweet was born in Baltimore on September 25, 1924, the only child of Alfred L. Pawley and his wife, Katie Grace Busick Pawley. Lilian graduated a year early from Eastern High School in 1941.

In the early 50's Lilian traveled to England for a two week vacation and ended up staying for 6 years. While in England she worked for the US Air Force. Lilian and several friends planned a going away party for friends who were moving to Canada. One of the party guests was Derek Sweet. Their courtship began that day. Lilian returned to Baltimore in 1956 and Derek soon followed. They were married on June 24, 1961.

In their 60 years of marriage they went on many international trips. Lilian loved to tour the historical sites in the cities they visited. Her favorite place to travel to was Israel, which she visited twice. They made many life-long friends on their travels. Derek and Lilian returned to England many times to spend time with Derek's family. Over the years the Sweets befriended several international students studying at Peabody. They enjoyed having them to their home, and had many social times together. They became close to Reiko, a student from Japan, and traveled there several times to visit with her and her family.

Lilian's love for animals is well known, especially her love for rabbits. Their home is filled with all manner of bunnies - on pillows, small figurines, and on many garments Lilian wore. Lilian was especially partial to lop-eared rabbits and throughout the years had many as pets.

Soon after returning to the states Lilian's office with the Air Force was relocating to Andrews Air Force base which was too far away and Lilian left the position. Lilian enjoyed a long career with the US Coast Guard in Baltimore. But after leaving the Air Force she worked with a secretarial agency which sent her to work for several weeks for Rev. John Murray Smoot at Central Presbyterian Church. On Pastor Smoot's invitation they began attending Central in 1977. At Central Lilian was active in a women's Bible studies which met in each other's homes, and Derek and Lilian participated in weekly worship services for over 45 years.

All who knew Lilian were blessed by her gifts of hospitality and kindness, and witnessed her devoted love for Derek. Lilian died at age 97 at Stella Maris Hospice on the morning of January 18, 2022 with her dear husband Derek by her side.

A memorial service will be held at Central Presbyterian Church (7308 York Road, 21204) on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 11:00 am.