Lena Matteele Wood Tillman was born on February 7, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York to the late James and Lena Wood. Lena’s family returned to the Washington, DC area during her formative years. She attended Palmer Memorial Institute (Sedalia, NC), Bennett College and Howard University. Lena’s first marriage was to Melvin M. Spencer and they had one son, Mark. Later, she met and married Percy W. Tillman and had daughter Dana and son Brandon.
Lena worked for the Federal and District governments after staying home to raise her children. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1992 and immediately went to work for D.C. Public Schools (Transportation Branch) until 1999.
Lena’s happiest years were spent raising her children and she cherished her grandchildren. She loved beautiful flowers and was a music buff and enthusiast. Lena was the “life of the party” and had many close friends who she considered family. Lena lived an abundant and fulfilled life and was generous, caring and always tried to help others.
Lena is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Percy W. Tillman, her children Brandon Tillman, Dana Tillman, and Mark Spencer (Monique), grandchildren Carmen Spencer, Justin Spencer, and Alanna McCatty.
