Wilma E. Tilley

She had four brothers whom she adored; Hugh, Willie, Rubin and Junior. She was affectionately called “Cricket” by them. The Southerns were a very close-knit family. They grew up in extreme poverty and, while her childhood was marked by struggle and suffering, she developed a profound resilience, an unwavering determination, and a deep faith in Jesus Christ which would bolster her throughout her long life.

Wilma especially enjoyed her school years, where she built enduring friendships and she met the love of her life, Ray Tilley. On August 8th 1953, Wilma and Ray were married. Their first child was born on April 30th 1955, Michael Ray, whom they doted on and adored. After Mike’s birth they moved from Arkansas to Wichita, Kansas in the pursuit of better job opportunities. In Wichita, they welcomed their daughter, Jennie Diann, on July 30th 1958. She would become Wilma’s lifelong confidant and friend.

Wilma enjoyed a long and rewarding career at Beech Aircraft, which would be a source of great pride and satisfaction for her. She retired from Beech after many years of service.

Along with Ray, Wilma built a wonderful life, enjoying many happy years with her family, which, in addition to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This also included many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended relatives, all of whom deeply appreciated her and considered her to be the matriarch of the family.

After the passing of her brothers Hugh, Willie and Junior, Wilma and Rubin became very close as they were the only siblings left. They talked on the phone every day and the conversation usually revolved around the weather, their gardens, or if they had a visitor that day. They also reminisced about their experiences growing up with many stories about mommy and daddy.

Wilma was independent, forthright, incredibly hard-working, meticulous, and deeply principled. She kept a beautiful home and garden, cared tirelessly for her husband and, in his final days, her son. She faced life’s challenges with strength and steadfastness.

Through a long illness, Wilma was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Jennie, who ensured Wilma had a dignified, gentle transition to paradise surrounded by beauty, family, good food, music, and her beloved cats. Her final days were spent peacefully with never a complaint.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Hugh, Willie and Junior, her husband Ray and her son, Michael. She is survived by her daughter, Jennie (Bill) Beahm, her brother, Rubin, nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and many, many friends and extended family members. She will be deeply missed , but those left behind are grateful to have been a part of her journey and her legacy.

A Celebration of Life and interment will be held at Lakeside Funeral Home at 10:00 AM on November 13, 2024, with a reception to follow at Jennie and Bill’s home in Towanda.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Good Shepherd Hospice.