Willie Mae Tillman

Willie Mae Tillman transitioned from labor to reward on May 28, 2025, in her home while in the care of her loving son.

Willie Mae was born in Byron, Georgia to love and parents, Alice T. English and William English, Sr on September 23 ,1942.

Willie Mae received her early education from the Houston County School System. She later worked at the Downtown Hilton Hotel, American Federal Building and Coliseum Hospital as a housekeeper, where she quietly made a profound difference in the lives of patients, families, and staff.  In a role that is too often overlooked, Willie Mae brought dignity, cleanliness, and comfort to spaces of healing ensuring that every room she touched was safe, calm, and cared for.  To her coworkers, she was a steady and trusted friend.  To patients and families, she was a comforting presence during difficult times.  After 30 years of service in the Environmental Services, she retired to spend her time with her loving husband, Otis.

REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED MAMA

Mama was the example of a wonderful Christian woman.  She truly touched many lives and was a simple joy to all that knew her.  She was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in her earlier years.  She moved her membership to Greens Tabernacle Baptist Church where she truly was supported with love and the Word of God.  To her church families, she was a dedicated member who enjoyed serving in faith with the congregation.  

Mama was THE friend of all friends.  The pleasure to know you had someone to stand with you no matter what is what her friends felt.  Mama gave advice and did not sugarcoat it.  Whether you liked what she had to say or not, you were definitely going to hear it.  Her friends will all tell you — she was hilarious. The good times, the laughter, and the memories she gave will keep you smiling for years to come.  

Mama was the best daughter to her parents, sister to her siblings, auntie to her nieces/nephews but most of all mother/grandmother to her children/grandchildren.  She was the heart of the home…strong, loving, humble, and generous.  She was our backbone, our strength, our love.  There was nothing she would not do for her family, NOTHING.   She would help any and all.  We are all so much better people having her in our lives.  We will do our best to carry forward her legacy of devotion, service, and grace.

In one word, Mama was LOVE.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Tillman, Sr.; her mother, Alice T. English; father, William English, Sr.; sister, Annie Rumph and brothers Grover Thomas and Louis English.

She is survived by her children, Loretta English, Otis English (Routhlene), Barbara O’Neil (Dwayne) and Uneeda Jones (Henry); her stepchildren, Otis Lee Tillman, Jr. (Rosetta), Althea Jones (Clarence) and Sylvia Sewell; honor daughter, Ann Speight; sisters, Dorothy Huggins, Mary Wynn, Mittie Lee Taylor (Frank), Estelle Clark; brothers, Willie B. Thomas and William English, Jr.; sister-in-law,  Dorothy Hall and Vivian Hallman.  Willie Mae leaves behind eighteen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Mae Tillman, please visit our floral store.