Margot Weale Sheally Tillman

Margot Weale Sheally Tillman transcended to the Church Triumphant on 12/11/2020. due to the final stages of Leukemia. SHea was also a kindney transplant recipant. Margot was born 10/28/1941 in Poughkeepsie, New York, the eldest child of Dr. W. Bruce Weale and Violet Foster Weale. She graduated from Leon County High School, Class of 1959 and enrolled as a Freshman at Florida State University, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies Education. While a student at FSU, she was a member of the Alpha Delta chapter of ?(Alpha Omicron Pi) (Kappa Delta Pi) Sorority. She was also a member of Phi Alpha Theta in recognition of her Attainments and Scholarship in the Field of History. Her teaching career began 1963 in Atlanta, Ga where she taught American History at Avondale High School until the end of 1967.

In 1967 she married Thomas B. Sheally and relocated to Jacksonville where she taught Civics at Ribault High School for a year before beginning a family. While expecting their first child in 1969 she became a television teacher, teaching American History on WJCT Television 7. Because she was pregnant, she was allowed to teach only if the camera shot her from the waist up.

Her marriage to Tom Sheally produced two boys, Gerald A. and Steven B Sheally. When his job caused the family to move to Ohio, Margot continued her calling by serving as health education specialist for the Jefferson County Center on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. As a specialist she concentrated on informing elementary, high school and college students of the evils of drugs. In her approach, she took the persona of a cartoon character from a coloring book on drugs, named Katy the Kangaroo, and would dress up as “Katy” to teach pre-school, first and second graders about the dangers of drugs thus becoming known as “Katy” herself.

After Tom’s job brought the family back to Jacksonville in 1982, he tragically lost his life while working in Puerto Rico leaving Margot a widow with two young boys to raise. She became active in the Boy Scouts with her boys and also developed a bereavement class though FCCJ as a support group for those having recently lost a love one.

Margot’s participation in the Boy Scouts developed beyond being a den mother or troop committee member and she soon began assisting with the training of scout leaders. She successfully completed the Wood Badge Leadership Training Experience in 1984, was awarded the coveted Silver Beaver for service to the local council and was a James West recipient.

In 1995, she married James R. Tillman, Jr and was married to him for 25 years. During their marriage they enjoyed traveling to various countries worldwide. Prior to Jim’s retirement, they bought a cabin in the mountains of North Georgia and in 2002 began enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Rabun County, Georgia part time and escaping the hot weather of Florida.

Margot was predeceased by both parents and her first husband. She is survived by her brother, Bruce P. Weale of Dallas, Texas (Mary Ann), husband, James R. Tillman, Jr, Sons, Gerald A. Sheally, (Jane Hyde ), Steven B. Sheally, (Sara), and two granddaughters. Private interment will be held at the Mandarin Cemetery and a memorial service will be held later at the Lakewood Presbyterian Church where Margot was a member. Those interested in making memorial contributions are asked to consider the General Fund of the Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd West. Jacksonville, Fl. 32217, Donate Life or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.