A native of Lincolnton, NC, Mrs. Tillery was born to the late Charlie Flay Houser and Minnie Maybelle Rudisill Houser on February 16, 1930. She was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir. Mrs. Tillery was a member of various clubs and organizations, including the neighborhood Garden Club, the Square Dance Club, she was a Girls Scouts Leader, Drum and Bugle Corps Mom, a Boy Scouts Den Mother and served as an Election Board Official. She loved to travel and loved NASCAR. Mrs. Tillery was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Price Tillery, Jr. in 2004. She is also preceded in death by a sister, Violet Virginia Carpenter.
Mrs. Tillery is survived by her children, Deb Grant (Jack), Tripp Tillery (Cheryl); grandchildren, Brenna Grant, Hannah Grant, John Grant; niece, Judy Carpenter, nephew, Jim Carpenter and her beloved dog, Ozzie.
The family wishes to express special thanks to her caregiver of 7 years, Susan Furr and also caregivers, Wendy Tull, Shenna Scott and Lattayne Caldwell.