Rattlers from far and near came to pay their last respects to a lady who helped shape the scope of FAMU Athletics over four decades. Lillian Hagins, a dedicated administrative assistant to a handful of athletic directors over several years, was celebrated at her homegoing service today at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee.Hundreds of supporters filed into the sanctuary to hear a fitting tribute to Hagins. The Rev. Eddie L. Allen, pastor of St. James CME Church, where Hagins was a member, presided over the event.
Several former FAMU athletes, fans, alumni and administrators came to rejuvenate that "ole Rattler spirit," and send one of the school's most beloved figures away with a fitting tribute.
Included in the lengthy list of attendees were former athletic directors Ken Riley, Roosevelt Wilson and Joseph Ramsey. Longtime FAMU SID Alvin Hollins and former men's basketball coach Ajac Triplett also were in attendance. Several former athletes and athletics staff persons also came for the event.
The Marching "100" was the house band for the affair. They played some of Hagins' favorite tunes, both gospel and FAMU spirit songs.
FAMU Director of Athletics, Derek Horne, gave a resolution in honor of Hagins' achievements. The resolution was presented to her family and a copy will remain in the department of athletics' permanent files.
Hagins, was an integral part of the fabric of FAMU Athletics, serving as travel coordinator, academic advisor and mother figure all rolled into one. She worked with both the FAMU Department of Health Physical Education and Recreation and the Department of Athletics for several years, before dedicating her time solely to athletics under late athletic director Hansel "Tooti" Tookes.
George "Godfather" Thompson was also at the event. He was clearly a crowd favorite as he and Hagins both worked tireless hours for decades making sure that FAMU Athletics worked efficiently. Thompson was both trainer and equipment manager for several of his years.
Hagins receives many resolutions, including one from FAMU President James H. Ammons and the National Rattler "F" Club. Over one hundred members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, to which Hagins was a member, were present at the event.