Tillie Tiller

Born in Macon, Georgia on October 13, 1955, Tillie was the daughter of Bob and Cornelia Tiller. She graduated from Jackson Central-Merry High School and later attended the University of Arizona, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and earned a degree in agriculture - the perfect foundation for the adventurous life she would go on to lead.

After college, Tillie embraced a wide range of experiences that reflected her independent spirit and love of service. She drove a combine in Texas, taught school in Douglas, Arizona, and worked on cattle and pig farms in rural West Tennessee.

She later attended Columbia Bible College in Columbia, South Carolina and studied French at the Alliance Française de Paris in Paris France in preparation for her life’s calling.

In 1986, Tillie moved to Chad Africa where she served as a Christian missionary for TEAM, The Evangelical Alliance Mission, for over 35 years. She spoke French, Arabic and Chadian Arabic and devoted her life to sharing the Gospel and serving the people of Chad with compassion, humility and unwavering faith.

“Tillie left an indelible mark for the Gospel on the Goz Beida community where she served her last 8 to 10 years in Chad.” ~Rich Hoyt, Regional Member Care Coordinator for TEAM-Africa

“Because of Tillie, the missionary station and health center in Dourbali, Chad functions and serves many.” ~Pastor Tao Vaileck Elysee

Tillie is survived by her mother, Cornelia Hall Tiller and her sister, Susie Tiller Alexander (Chris). She was preceded in death by her father, Bob Tiller.

A service to celebrate the life of Tillie Tiller will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1:00 pm at All Saints Anglican Church, 212 McClellan Rd., Jackson. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the church. Prior to the service, the family will have gathered at Ridgecrest Cemetery for a private committal service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to recognize and express sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Sarah Cannon Cancer Center and Alive Hospice, in Nashville, Tennessee, for their compassionate and expert care.