Marilynne Kay Tilley

Marilynne Kay Tilley, of Lake Worth, joined Heaven's Celebration on November 30, 2022, after a courageous four-year battle with breast cancer. She was born March 12, 1947, on the top of a mountain in Montcalm, WV to June Taylor Tilley and Sidney Tilley, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death; brothers, George Tilley; and Sidney Tilley, Jr.; and sisters in law, Arleta Tilley, and Elizabeth Tilley, as well as nephew David Tilley.

She is survived by her brothers Randolph Tilley, of Princeton, WV; Conley (Jeannie) Tilley, of Russellville, TN; a sister-in-law, Ruth Tilley, of Port Orange and her beloved “sissy” Nancy Tilley, of Lake Worth. Also surviving are nephews Michael Tilley (Lisa) of Troutville, VA; Daniel Tilley (Candace) of Huntersville, NC; Greg Tilley (Jenny) of Lynchburg, VA, Thomas Tilley of Lakeland, and nieces Lou Ann Tilley West (Stephen), of Russellville, TN, and Catherine Tilley of Oak Hill. Also surviving are numerous great nieces and nephews and over 5,000 students that she taught over her 48-years of teaching/volunteering including her chosen daughter Maria Esperanza Gomez of Lake Worth.

Susie, as the family called her, graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1969 and began instructing children in 1970 in Del Ray. She also taught in Sebring and other elementary schools in the Palm Beach County school system. She ended her career with a long stint at Clifford O. Taylor/Kirklane Elementary School where she poured herself into loving and educating “precious youngins” as she called them.

Marilynne was a learned, award winning, and extraordinary teacher who made a difference in the lives of her co-workers, students, and scouts.

She was an active member of The Lakeside United Methodist Church and choir, and an avid square dancer. Marilynne believed art imitates life and she lived intentionally to paint the best picture of God’s love for display to all she met. She was a woman of incredible Christian Faith and lived a life of servitude always putting others first.

The family would like to thank the countless friends, businesses, neighbors, and caregivers who helped bring comfort and joy to Marilynne’s last years.

Arrangements are by the Dorsey Earl Smith Memory Gardens Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at, Dorsey Earl Smith Memory Gardens Funeral Home, Lake Worth, FL with Pastor David Branson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to service time beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Princeton, West Virginia the following week at the Monte Vista Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105, or Lakeside United Methodist Church at 1901 12th Ave. S. Lake Worth Beach, FL. 33461