Matilda "Tillie" Rosser Day

Throughout her life she had a passion for giving and living, she passed away July 8, 2020 after a long journey living with Alzheimer's Disease.

She was a graduate of John Adams High School in Cleveland, Fenn College(now Cleveland State) and Kent State University. Tillie married Donald Kenneth Day (deceased 2002) and they were blessed with a daughter, Deneen. Tillie had a deep love for her family. She loved being around her nieces and nephews, great nieces/nephews and supporting them in all their endeavors.

Her walk in life was of kindness. She gave unconditional love to those around her and her faith touched so many souls. Rest in His peace and in the arms of God's love.

She retired after 33 years as a deaf, hard of hearing special education teacher and administrator at Alexander Graham Bell in Cleveland and the Ohio School for the Deaf in Columbus. She loved her students as her own and advocated for her coworkers by negotiating several state teacher's contracts. She was an active member of numerous service organizations throughout her life including, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Columbus and Cleveland Alumnae Chapters; Jack and Jill of America, Circle-Lets, Charms and a Charter Member King Arts Complex Women's Service Board.

Tillie loved to travel with friends all over the country including national conventions. She loved attending Ohio State football games and traveling to their bowl games. She also loved to dance, especially the latest line dances and old school hand dancing. She combined her love for music and knowledge of American Sign Language(ASL) by signing at live musical events including Symphony Meets Gospel and the annual Columbus Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast. She was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church, she praised and worshipped through signing with the choir.

She loved to volunteer, her second home and family was the King Arts Complex where she enjoyed interacting with the visitors and the community. She had her own unique fashionista sense that transcended decades that included her vast collection of eye glass wear, shoes and hats that matched every outfit. She gave unconditional "Mother's" love to her daughter, Deneen and her grandson Kendall. She was their number 1 fan.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers-Willie Haralson, Rufus Haralson, sister-Bernice Franklin, nieces Gloria Franklin and Barbara Ann Franklin and special beloved great nephew Miles "Scooby" Franklin. She leaves to celebrate her legacy Deneen, Kendall, who was her heart and soul, brothers-Albert Haralson Jr. and Leonard Banks, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and devoted friends which include but not limited to Angela Ferguson, Kortney Wilkerson Ferguson, Kendall Wilkerson Ferguson, Loretta Myles, Deb Myles and Diane Travick.

The family would like to thank The Woodlands of Columbus Assisted Living staff and Capital City Hospice especially Lynn Durst, Trish Lemon and Chaplain Ary Berk for all their love and compassionate care. The family was also blessed by acts of kindness and care shown by so many individuals and organizations during her journey.

Tillie believed in giving people their flowers while on earth. Per her wishes and out of respect for the CoVid health concerns there will be no public service. A Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega Farewell Service will be held in the near future. Although her journey was long and challenging, she can finally wear her designer St. John suits, travel to far away places; laugh, smile, chat, sign and dance again.

The family request that you laugh, sing and dance with your love ones and "Be Kind" to one another in her memory.

If you wish, donations can be made to the following organizations in memory of Matilda Day.

Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio Chapter

1379 Dublin Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43215

The King Arts Complex

867 Mt. Vernon Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43203

Delta Foundation of Greater Columbus

Scholarship Fund-Matilda Day

PO Box 360392 Columbus, Ohio 43236