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Obituary For Bishop Donald O. Tillis, Sr.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith….”
BISHOP DONALD O. TILLIS, SR. a native of Plantersville, Alabama, was one o) nine children born to the late Theodis and Catherine Tillis. He graduated from Maplesville High School in Maplesville, Alabama, and enlisted in the United States Army shortly after. During his ten years of honorable service, Bro Tillis was stationed across Europe and throughout the United States. After receiving an honorable discharge, he relocated to Hinesville, Georgia, successfully transitioning from military service to civilian life.
In 1983, Brother Tillis accepted salvation in Christ under the leadership of Apostle Shirley A. Brandon and Pastor Bonita Lewis of the Last Day Miracle Deliverance Church. Inspired by 2 Timothy 2:15—"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth"— he diligently studied the Word of God. His faithfulness was soon rewarded, as God first called him to serve as a deacon. By 1984, less than a year later, God elevated him further, calling him to preach the gospel to a world in need.
Bishop Tillis was later ordained as a bishop by the late Bishop J.L. Litman, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the House of God Saints in Christ. God continued to elevate him for his unwavering love and faithfulness. He currently serves as the Presiding Officer of the House of God Saints in Christ, Region 2, West Georgia, and as the Pastor of Shepherd's Light Deliverance Church. Known for his powerful ministry, Bishop Tillis operates fully in the Five-Fold gifts and has served as a host and speaker at conferences and workshops across the United States.
Bishop Tillis is the devoted husband of Dr. Verbertha Tillis, National Evangelist of the House of God Saints in Christ. Together, they raised nine children, seven ofwhom are their biological children: Tenesa Tillis-Davis, Tiangela (Quentin) Sherwood, Tiffany (Eugene) Williams, Tarie (Marquiz) Walker, Donna Tillis, Donald (Samantha) Tillis, and Verbertha Nashae Tillis. He is also the proud grandfather of 28 grandchildren, great-grandfather of two, and a spiritual father and mentor to many.
God placed a special burden on Bishop Tillis's heart for the youth. For over 30 years, he served as a dedicated coach of football and basketball through the Liberty County Recreation Department and a mentor to countless young men. He passionately instilled in them the belief that they can overcome failure and achieve greatness through Christ.
Bishop Tillis's ministry and life have touched countless individuals, embodying humility and service to the Most High God. He held fast to the verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
Bishop Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Theodis and Catherine Tillis, and siblings Bettie Jean Forbes, Theodore Richard Tillis, Deacon Frankie Lee Tillis, and Theodore Ronald Tillis.
He leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Dr. Verbertha Tillis; his beloved children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; his siblings Pastors Carolyne Redic, Pastor Johnny (Linda Jean) Tillis, Minnie Lee Tyus, and Gloria Clarissa (Peter) Kitele; aunts Mollie Bell Gresham, Willie Dean Carter Mattie Fuller, Barbara Fuller, Yourika Fuller; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, spiritual sons and daughters, and cherished friends and loved ones.
Bishop Donald O. Tillis, Sr., was a man of God, a husband, a father, a mentor, and a humble servant who dedicated his life to spreading the gospel and uplifting others. His legacy will endure in the hearts of all blessed to know him.
Home going services for Bishop Donald O. Tillis, Sr., will be Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11AM at House of Joy (H.O.G.S.I.C.), 6057 Highway 319 South, Thomasville, GA 31792. Visitation will take place at the service only. Immediately following the funeral service, military burial rites will take place at Peaceful Rest Cemetery in Thomasville, GA.
Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the service.
Continue to pray along with the family during this difficult time.
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Heavenly & Harmony was sent for Bishop Donald O. Tillis, Sr. - January 10, 2025
He was my coach in 97 at the Rec and in 1998 he was my All Star Coach in Basketball.2004 I was his Armour Bearer and later a Minister. He helped me through it all. I will miss him and still hear his voice. May God be with the family.
To our Pastor. Children.Grand & Great Grand children. We thank God for OUR Bishop. A man who clearly Loves God, and the wisdom of God he shared with us along with words of encouragement whether in church. Out to eat or just a conversation over the phone. He is truly missed without question!!! Our continued prayers go up for The Adkins-Tillis Family. We Love you all. Deacon Travis, Val & Miracle Jones
To Apostle, Dr. Verbertha Tillis and family,
We send you love and sincere prayers during and after this time of bereavement. Bishop will be missed and never forgotten for his unselfish time and dedication to mentoring young men as myself.
We love you all in Jesus name, Elder Troy Rose and Family
Bishop Tillis was an extraordinary man whose compassion and love positively impacted countless lives. May the memories of him provide you with comfort and peace in the coming days. Dr. Tillis and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of bereavement. Pastor Arno & Lady LeGray McKinnon - Brown Chapel Ministries, HOGSIC, INC.
Dr. Tillis and the entire Tillis family we are praying for you all and his church families. The Lord will see you through because he cares for you. Bishop left a rich legacy.
To my Pastor(Mama Tillis) , the children, the grandchildren and the entire Tillis/Adkins family. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. May the joy of the Lord continually be your strength. Bishop fought the good fight, he have finished his course , he kept the faith. He will forever be remembered and missed . I thank God for using him in his teaching and preaching to be a blessing in my life. So many spiritual nuggets I received from his messages to help me get to this point on my Christian journey. To God be all the glory and you will continually be in my prayers in Jesus name . Amen 🙏🏾
Dr. Verbertha Tillis and Family: God's love and grace are with you ALL in this difficult time. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus..... We Love You All..... St. John Holiness Church Women's Department, Tifton Georgia
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you during this difficult time. Wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time. I believe that tears can heal, memories can comfort, and love lives on forever.... Sis. Pat McKinnon and The Litman Family
To you our Pastor, your children & grand-babies we love you all & keeping you in our continued prayers. My Family and I are so thankful for the times God allowed us to spend with our Bishop🫶🏾. God drew my husband and our Family to join House of Joy thru Bishop preaching The Word of GOD & we joined the following Sunday♥️ and He always encouraged us concerning our children and it blessed us. Bishop is truly missed‼️ the families & close friend's 🙏.
You will forever be a light in my life and an example of strength and faith. Thank you for being the leader you are.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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