Barbara Pearlenore Kelly Tillman, 86, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, September 24, 2020, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Barbara was born in Troy, NC on December 19, 1933.
She attended North Carolina Central University and taught in the Montgomery County school system.
Barbara was a woman of God and exercised her faith in all her endeavors. She was a member of Greater First United Baptist Church. She belonged to several civil and social organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and the Alpha Art Club. She loved traveling and fashion, and could always be spotted in the most glamorous attire.
Family was everything to Barbara. She and her husband, the late Dr. Otis Tillman, Sr., were married September 1, 1956. This union was blessed with four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis, her parents, Theodore and Pearlie, and her brothers, Harold, Cato, Preston, and Richard.
Barbara’s kind demeanor and wisdom touched the lives of so many people. Though gone from us physically, the priceless memories of her love and laughter will live on forever.
A private funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. Mrs. Tillman may be viewed on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Cousin Barbara was always so gracious to us. We remember the wonderful hospitality in their beautiful home. She and Cousin Otis were inspirations to us all. God bless the Tillman family. The Allen Mask family
Tammye and family. We are sending you prayers and offering you comfort at this time. All our Best, The Taylor Faith and Gary
Aunt Barbara is the last of the Kelly siblings. I feel so sad that I could not say good bye. And also to hear it from strangers
Tammye, as your family celebrates the life of your beloved Mother, Mrs Tillman I hope you know she will never be forgotten. The legacy she leaves behind will live on. Just know your Smart Set Sisters are always here for you and will continue to lift the Tillman family up in prayer. Love, North Jersey Smart Set
Holy God: Thank God for the life of Gods daughter, Barbara Tillman who God receives at home in heaven. Please strengthen her family and all who loved her to continue their lives with only the memories of their loved. May those memories be the glue that binds them together. In the Name of Jesus, Amen John and Cheryl (Russell)Turner and the family of John and Carmelle Russell
My condolences to the family of Mrs. Tillman. I shall always remember the lovely anniversary gathering for Dr and Mrs. Tillman at the Grandover. It was a gathering befitting for a king and queen. You will be missed. Elma Hairston
With deep love and sympathy Lucille Jackson
To The Tillman Family:
We are grateful to God for all the years He shared this great Christian Woman with us. Your Family has indeed been a Blessing to the High Point Community through the years.
Rev. Bobby W. Green, Jr. and Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green
To the Tillman Family,
My sincere condolences to your family. Words alone can not express your sadness, but know that God is always with you. Cherish your mom's memories. My prayers are with you.
Love, Rosalyn Gilmer-Flanagan
Chiquita and family I am very sorry for your loss. You have my sincere condolences. "May God Bless you and get you through this very difficult time." Hold on to God's unchanging hands. Yvonne Allen
"Life starts here on the earth and never ends in heaven." Know that her journey from earth the glory was sweet! With heartfelt sympathy, Setrina & Anatra Hunter
Dearest Tammye
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for you and your family on the passing of your beautiful Mom. She exudes the same Grace and warmth that you do.
Please know and be comforted by the fact that she will always be with you and that she and your Dad are watching over you and yours.
Joyce Harley
To Tammye and Family -- While I never had the pleasure of meeting your Mother, I believe that our parents are often reflected in the people we become. So your Mom must have been a warm, kind, and generous person -- because you are. May God comfort you in this difficult time. Love, Michelle Swittenberg and Family
Tammye, Kita,Bonnie and Chip we grieve with you on the loss of your Mom. She was truly a beautiful lady. She lived a wonderful life, as you her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are a testament to. We love you and will keep you in prayer as you begin this new chapter of life without you mother.
David and Guinette Kirk and Family Loveland, Ohio
My condolences goes to the family I love my aunt very much she will always remain in my heart throughout my life gone but never forgotten
Such beautiful memories from my childhood and growing up with precious times spent with Mrs. Tillman and all the Tillman family. May God bless your hearts with His peace. Hugs from Dwight and Judy Mills
On behalf of the McAuley family. We extend our sincere condolences to the children, your family and friends of Ms. Barbara. She was such a lady of beauty and very regal. Such a sweet person. She attended our Mother's 90th (Rushie) birthday party, and was so excited to see her there. She will be missed by all, but know that you all are in our prayers during this difficult time. We love you. Germaine McAuley
To the family, I was very sorry to hear of Mrs. Tillman's death. I'm praying that the Lord will hold you especially close and comfort you through this difficult time. Lynda Price
May God continue carrying the family through the difficult days ahead. My prayers are with you all. Gail Simpson
The the family of Barbara Tillman, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Although we know that there are no words that can truly fill the hole that grief leaves, know that we are praying that God's comfort and peace resides with you all and that his power sustain you through this period of mourning. The footprint that she and Dr. Tillman left behind brings each of us incredible joy as we ponder the indelible mark they left behind. Yours, James and Candi Price
My Sincere Condolences on the Passing of your mother. Sandra Smith, Tallahassee Florida
To the family of my dear dear friend Barbara Tillman! You have my deepest condolences on the loss of Ms. Barbara. As a child and young lady to me 5FFBPshe was the Queen of style, Glamour and Class. As an adult she became more to me. She became one of my dearest and loving friends. Those memories I will cherish forever! I know she is so happy now because she is at peace with the love of her life Tillman. My prayer is that you find peace in knowing there is no more pain and no more sadness. Much love to you all!! Ms. Crickett
Chiquita, Bonita, Tammye and Chip, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your beautiful, kind and lovely Mother. It was always a pleasure when we met or talked over the phone. She was always encouraging and an inspiration to me. In addition, she had an impeccable sense of style!
While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, please remember, 'Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.'
God loves you and he cares for you, as this community will continue to pray for you all!
Lovingly submitted, Sylvia Collins
Mrs. Tillman was a woman that I admired from the time I was a young girl. She always displayed Grace and had such a kind spirit. Mrs. Tillman was my Sorority Sister. Rest in Peace My Dear Ivy Beyond the Wall.
Kim Ramseur Cheek
We grieve with you because we have lost a Dear family friend/Soror of many years! So glad to have visited with her last year! Oh what a Blessing it was! Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family! Jesus Welcomes her Home! Gayle Hudson Simmons and family
To the family, may God's love keep you strong. Love Tammie, Bonita, Gail and Mackie Steele
May the work I've done, Speak for me. It really is Mrs Tillman.. What a kind. Beautiful Woman.I truly admired her... Forever in our hearts. M. Gantt
A beautiful lady. I remember her from my time at Peabody. Family we will continue to pray for you. May God Bless and keep you. Greg,Vivian, Valerie, Germaine, Brent & Rochelle McAuley
To the family of Dr. & Mrs. Tillman, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You miss her now, and you always will. But she's fine now. She, is fine! May God bless each of you in every area of your lives where His blessings are needed. May He give you strength and peace. And know that you are loved. Monique, I love you girl and I am praying for you and your family sweetheart. Thanks to you for being a part of our family for so many years.
Lovingly yours, Melanie (Kelly)
A kind woman and sprit. My condolences to the family. Mrs. Tillman will be missed.
One of theMost Beautiful Ladies inside out whose beautiful life will always be cherished her presence will be missed upon this earth but forever in my heart Debra A Williamson
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.