Lillie Mae Wilbanks, a lifelong resident of Stamford, died Saturday, March 26, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. She was 76.

After graduating from Stamford High School, Wilbanks received her cosmetology degree from the Modern School of Hairdressing. She owned three hair salons, two in Stamford and one in North Carolina, during her 55-year career.

She was active in the Bethel AME Church, where she had been a member since childhood.

Wilbanks is survived by her sisters, Margaret Bernard and husband John, and Viola Peterson and husband George; brother Lester Wilbanks; and two nieces as well as grandnieces, grandnephews and other friends and family. She was predeceased by her brothers, Dr. James Wilbanks and William Wilbanks; and sister Rachel Wilbanks.

A celebration of Wilbanks’ life will take place at the Bethel AME Church, 150 Fairfield Ave., Stamford, at 10 a.m. Saturday. Burial will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery, 230 Oaklawn Ave., Stamford. Friends may greet the family at the church from 9 a.m. until the beginning of the service.

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