Doris Turner Tilley's Obituary
Our beautiful Angel, Doris Turner Tilley received her wings and took the hand of Jesus on Friday, October 10, 2014.
Family and friends will gather at Rosewood Park on FM 1844 in Longview at 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 15, 2014 to celebrate her life with Dr. Cary Hilliard officiating. Graveside services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Longview.
Doris was born at home on September 2, 1930 in Seminole County, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Curly and Trudie Turner of Overton, Texas.
Doris served in many roles throughout her life. First and most importantly, she lived as a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. She was an avid bible student, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Her standards of life were always based upon the Holy Scripture. She was a nurturing caretaker of her Mother and Father as well as her widowed Aunt Decie Ware and her Mother-in-law, Willie Bea Tilley.
In January of 1949 Doris married Bill Tilley. Her passion for children began at home with her two daughters. She stitched their clothing not only with love but with expert seamstress skills. Her untiring work ethic was obvious when one set foot in her immaculate home or sat down to a marvelous meal prepared by her generous hands.
Before being a mother and homemaker, Doris was the drum major at Overton High School and a twin drum major for the Kilgore College Band. She even performed at a Cotton Bowl football game the day of her wedding on January 1, 1949. She strung her pearl necklace she would wear down the aisle as her Dad drove her home from Dallas. Her musical abilities carried over to the piano where she enjoyed playing pieces all the way from Claire de Lune to fast paced Boogie Woogie.
Her love of children and nurturing instincts made being a library clerk a natural career choice. Her animated reading skills delighted children in South Ward’s Reading Well and watching the faces of each boy and girl was fulfilling to her. Mom was also a computer aid at Ware Elementary. She was respected as a role model for children not only in the public school system but also at First Baptist Church of Longview. She held many positions at FBC including training union teacher, Sunday School Outreach leader, Lay Renewal Outreach leader and a faithful member of Intercessory Prayer.
Loved ones preceding her in death include her parents, Curly and Trudie Turner, Aunt Decie Ware, mother-in-law Willie Bea Tilley, brother-in-law Roy Tilley, sister-in-law, Lou Tilley and niece Sherry Tilley.
Doris is survived by her husband, Bill Tilley, daughters and their spouses, Deborah (Dee) and Charles Tullis, Lesa and Mark Eubank as well as four grandchildren and their spouses, Ashley Davis, Colby and Chelsea Davis, Chance Tullis, Jessica and Keith Weatherford. Great grandson, Tyson Bush. Sister, Dorothy Smith, special Aunt Gurlie Mitchell (101 years old) and numerous nieces and nephews. Cousin and his spouse Walter (Jr.) and Jo Cooper. And her closest friend Bettye Carr.
The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to all of the nurses and special aids of Summer Meadows for their love and care. You all became family to us during Mom’s lengthy stay. We also thank Nurse Debbie Westbrook and Heart’sWay Hospice of East Texas. A special thank you to Kathy of Heart’sWay for her wonderful, spa-like massages and tender care during her last days.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or Heart’sWay Hospice of East Texas at P.O. Box 5608 Longview, TX 75608.
Mom’s favorite verse was Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.
It was often said by those who knew and loved her “God sent an Angel to walk among us whose name is Doris”.
What’s your fondest memory of Doris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Doris?
Share a story where Doris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Doris you’ll never forget.
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