Mary Katherine Corbett Tillman, 89, of Athens, Georgia, peacefully passed away on August 12, 2026. Born February 10, 1937, in Valdosta, Georgia, Mary Katherine lived a life marked by steady devotion to others and a quiet strength most evident in a lifelong commitment to caring for those in need.
Mary Katherine attended school in Fort Myers, Florida and graduated from Brenau Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. She continued her studies at Valdosta State College and later graduated from the Barrett School of Nursing in Augusta, Georgia, where she prepared for a vocation that became the enduring work of her life.
In the early years of her distinguished nursing career, Mary Katherine served in the New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University Medical Center, the University of Chicago—Billings Hospital, and Gracewood State School and Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. For most of her life, Mary Katherine resided in Athens, Georgia and worked for many years as a neonatal ICU nurse at Athens Regional Medical Center. In every setting, she brought professionalism, steadiness, and deep respect for the dignity of each person entrusted to her care.
Mary Katherine also devoted time and leadership to the Athens community as an active member, officer, and sustaining member of the Athens Junior Assembly and the Junior Ladies Garden Club.
Mary Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas McKey Tillman, Jr.; her father, Gordon Russell Corbett; and her mother, Ethel Ricks Corbett. Survivors include her stepchildren, Marjorie Tillman Sennett (Tomas), Mill Valley, California, Louise Phinizy Tillman, Decatur, Georgia, Thomas McKey Tillman, III, Marietta, Georgia, and Joseph Espy Tillman (Trish), Athens; four step-granddaughters; a step-great-grandson; sister-in-law, Mrs. Billups Phinizy Tillman, Athens; and namesake, Mary Catherine Payne Moore (Lucius), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Mary Katherine also leaves several nieces and nephews and many friends who will cherish her lasting memory.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the excellent care provided to Mary Katherine by Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, Presbyterian Village of Athens, caregivers from Home Instead, Dr. Steven Chesser, and St. Mary’s Hospice.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 10, 2026, at Oconee Hill Cemetery and will be officiated by Reverend Bobbie Epting. Friends are invited to gather with the family following the service at The Sexton’s House at the cemetery.
Bernstein Funeral Home is overseeing arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Piedmont Athens Regional’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at www.piedmontathensgive.org in memory of Mary Katherine Tillman.
