Mary Simmons Tillman

Born on December 12, 1935, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Bill and Esther Simmons, Mary graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1953 and went on to earn her Teaching degree at Florida State University where she played clarinet as a Marching Chief. Mary was a dedicated and passionate early childhood educator and was one of the first with a special education degree in Duval County. Mary also taught at Scott Mill Lane Kindergarten and in Clay County where she retired from her career after 35 years.

Mary, “Memaw” was a dedicated mother of three, grandmother of eight, and great grandmother of five, who never missed a school activity, athletic competition, scouting event, church recital to let her family know how proud she was of all of them. Mary was also well loved by her kids’ friends around the Beauclerc Gardens neighborhood area off Scott Mill Road and enjoyed hosting them with sleepovers and home cooked meals. When her kids were young, Mary was a member of Mandarin Presbyterian Church, and later she joined Lakewood Presbyterian Church and was a devoted member there until her death.

Mary had a passion for her Campbell family’s Scottish heritage and never missed a Kirkin’ of the Tartans church service! She also loved the Kelly Clarkson Show, music group Alabama and never missed an opportunity to cheer on her Seminoles! Mary was quite a sports fan – following the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jumbo Shrimp and Atlanta Braves. She had a deep love of animals throughout her life and had numerous pets over the years. She was always open to what her kids brought home to raise. She is survived by her cat “Buddy”.

She is survived by her children, Lenora Wilson (William) of Jacksonville, Scott Tillman (Jen) of Jacksonville, and Bill Tillman (Betsy) of Lake Park, Georgia; her 8 grandchildren Mary Ashley (Ben), Patrick, Victoria (Alex), Vanessa (Ryan), Austin, Will (Julia), Abi (Calob), and Russell; her 5 great grandchildren Levi, Harper, Cameron, Nora and Jack; sister-in-law Brenda Tillman; sister-in-law Kitty Tillman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, James R. Tillman, Jr.

A viewing will be available on Wednesday, July 8, at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home in Mandarin.

A Celebration of Life service will be Thursday, July 9 at 11:00 am at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Brian Mitchell. Red and yellow were her favorite colors and you are encouraged to dress to honor her passions! The family requests any donations in her memory be made to Lakewood Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville or the Jacksonville Zoo.