Rosemarie Annette Hollis

Rosemarie was born in 1938 in Washington, DC to the late Elmer Michael and Estelle Catherine Tilghman. As the eldest of ten children, Rosemarie was preceded in death by her six brothers—Elmer Tilghman, Jr., Gerald Tilghman, Lawrence Tilghman, Leroy Tilghman, Terrance Tilghman, and William Tilghman—her two sisters Deborah and Romaine Tilghman, and her son, Ernest Hollis.

Rosemarie attended public school in Prince Georges County, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to family and community.

In 1959, Rosemarie married the late Airman Willie E. Hollis. Their union took them across the globe, including a period in Japan, and later to California, where Airman Hollis retired. Together, they purchased their first home in San Bernardino, California, where Rosemarie lived with her family until 1973. Following her divorce, Rosemarie returned to Prince Georges County Maryland to continue raising her children. During this time, she met the love of her life, Alton Vaughn.

Rosemarie was known for her keen sense of style and passion for fashion. She took great pride in maintaining a warm and tidy home. She enjoyed dancing and was often the life of the party. Her quiet time was dedicated to reading her bible and knitting a variety of items. Her favorite pastime included spending time with family, visiting casinos, attending card parties at her parents’ home in Seat Pleasant, and playing bingo. Rosemarie was employed for twelve years at Providence Hospital before health challenges required her to step away from her work. She was a devoted longtime member and employee of Incarnation Catholic Church.

She is survived by her youngest sister, Denise Tilghman. Rosemarie also leaves to cherish her memory her devoted partner, Alton Vaughn; her children—Anthony Hollis, Donald Tilghman, Embry Hollis, Lisa Hollis, Veronica Tilghman, and Willis Hollis; her grandchildren—Leroy, Donnetta, Tanisha, Martin, Donald Jr., De’Angelo, and Kei’Vonda; along with great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on December 29, 2025, at 10:00 am at Hemingway Memorial AME Church, located at 6330 Gateway Blvd, District Heights, MD 20747.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same venue at 11:00 am.

The committal will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722, at 1:00 pm.