Betty Jo Tilley

Betty Jo Tilley, age 88, went to be with the Lord on July 9, 2017. She was born July 13, 1928 in Jacksonville, FL, the daughter of the late Joseph Jefferson and Eva (Harnage) Downing. Betty Jo loved life, spending time with her family, playing the piano, cooking and gardening. She was a member of Riverside Primitive Baptist Church. Betty Jo owned & operated a music booking agency for almost 30 years, starting with her two sons. This proved that she had a natural talent for piano playing, and an exceptional love for music. She is survived by her son, Stephen Travis Coleman (Cathy); daughter, Shirley Jean Rayburn (Mark); grandchildren, Erik Rayburn, Maria Nicole Rayburn, Chelsie Coleman; great grandchildren, Starr Coleman, John Nathan Coleman, Jeremiah Rayburn, Alexander Rayburn, Scarlett Mesi; great great grandchild, Bentley McGuire; and her sister, Bobbie Jean Mickler. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Douglas Tilley; son, John Edward Coleman Jr.; grandson, Jason Coleman; great grandson, David Jordan Coleman; brothers, Leo Downing, Mannen Downing; sisters, Louise Gulette, Grace Jones. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 12 from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10 a.m. in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. Interment will be in Wayfare Baptist Church Cemetery in Stockton, GA. Memorial Contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, or Hospice.