Gail Rose Tillery's Obituary
Our Mother, Nana, and dear friend Gail Rose passed to Heaven on July 5, 2024. She was 87 years young, and don’t you dare call her elderly.
She was the only child of Homer and Dymple Lester. Gail married her Prince Charming Joe Tillery on Aug. 5, 1961. Together they raised 3 kids and birthed a business, The Sassy Pan. Gail was so proud of that store! She made it more than a fun place to shop. It was a gathering place where all felt welcomed. She was born and raised in Longview, and a lifelong member at 1st Baptist church. Gail loved singing in the choir and playing handbells. She had a lovely voice and was a frequent soloist at church and community events. She studied Vocal Performance at Baylor and loved those Bears (Sic em!).
Gail was an avid reader, always trading books with friends and family. It was hard to find a story she hadn’t read. She loved her Garden Club friends and would not miss a luncheon- no matter what. She loved Christmas and taught us, unfortunately, to not be afraid of excess in both gifts and decorations. She took sacrificially tender care of Joe and then her mom as they each approached going to Heaven.
She loved the Texas Rangers, her grandkids, and eating out with friends. She always wore bracelets, lipstick, and had her nails painted Cajun Shrimp. She had more friends than we can count. While we will deeply miss her being present, we thank our good and loving God that she never had to live like she was old. She would’ve hated that.
As her great-granddaughter June Caroline reminded us: “Nana’s gonna love Heaven! The streets are gold, and Nana just LOVES gold”
Gail is survived by her children Lisa Shive (Chuck), Jeff Tillery (Liz), and Alyson Bumpass (Tommy). Grandchildren: Sarah Shive Games (Dave), MaryElizabeth Shive Reeves (Ben), Casey Bumpass (Alex), Laura Shive Riscky (Pete), Hayden Bumpass, Trey Bumpass. Great grandchildren: June Caroline Reeves, Clark Reeves, Rose Games, Henry Bumpass, and new baby Reeves due in Sept.
A Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the Fords Chapel at Longview First Baptist Church starting at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to Heartisans.org
Arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home in Longview.
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