Verle Tillotson I came to see you today you weren't home thought I'd catch you tomorrow your heavenly father called you home I didn't get the chance to say I love you sir go in peace.
Jason Smallwood

This man was my uncle Verle who went home to be with the Lord today. I grieve with the loss alongside my cousins and his family in Alabama. He was a gracious, kind and loving dad, and father and husband, who was a wonderful example to me of a man of God and courage. Bless you my dearest Uncle... see you on the other side someday... give my love to all my family in the glory of the Lord in whom you are now in the presence.
David Harter

 
We are going to miss Verle Tillotson! He is not struggling to breathe today! He is enjoying his reward!
Nell Rushton McGilberry

 
We love him too Jimmy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Great man and a blessing to all that knew him. He's only gone till we meet again in Heaven!
Mitch Trice
 

Mr. Verle and Mrs. JoAnn sat by me in church worship at Dalraida Church of Christ. I looked forward to my hug and kiss each week from him. He told me I could be one of his granddaughters! He loved to sing praises to our God and he sang with his whole heart. The past few months I have missed him being near me at worship, but I knew that he was there in heart. I will miss the sweet, gentle man that he was! My love and prayers to Mrs. JoAnn and his family!
Rachel Hatcher

This man was the most gentle, caring, kind-hearted, loving Grandfather anyone could ever want. Two days before passing, we talked for 30 minutes over the phone. He sounded so happy. He said he couldn’t wait until he got the chance to see his sone, Antwane (my Dad) again. I told him to tell Dad that everyone said hello, and he laughed, saying that he would be the very first person to do so. Grandpa will forever be in my heart. I know I will see him again in Heaven. Fly high with the Lord, Grandpa. I know you’re celebrating.
Amber Tillotson

In honor of Grandpa, Todd did a big spread. We went to farmers market today and toasted Verle. He didn’t get to do his thang in the kitchen for the last few years but Todd is keeping the love of food and fresh veggies going.
Amanda Santos

I knew Grandpa Verle Tillotson for a short time. In that short time, he was such a wonderful and loving person to me. Always full of wonderful advice and knowledge. Evan and I are heartbroken you’re gone but know you’re at peace. You were always such a wonderful grandpa to Evan. Rest easy until we meet again. Love you grandpa Verle. We are so glad we got to see you one last time.
I knew your grandfather for a very short time but he was one of the kindest people I’ve met. He always gave me lots of kind compliments and told me how lucky Evan and I are to have each other. He was so thankful we got out there to see him a couple weeks ago. All his talks and memories he shared with us. He told us money is meant to enjoy and live life. Go on those trips, don’t wait. Travel and see as much as possible. Buy that $200 champagne. He also told me that one of the things matters most to him is his legacy having seen all his children and grandchildren grow up. Evan and I will miss him so much. Evan used to grow up going over his house and playing with computers learning all about them. It’s because of him that Evan is now a software engineer. We will miss him so much.
Lindsay Washington

Lucky to hear him sing one last time, with Vienna - his youngest great grandchild. You were everything to us, Gramps. We will miss you …your suspenders, your stories, your smile. I’ll see you in the stars. This man is my gramps, my encyclopedia. my pen pal, my beacon, true laughter and my son’s curls. He’s kindness. He’s love. He’s my son’s middle name …adopted …proud. He’s hard work and gardening tips. He’s questioning everything because we should. He’s my hero. There’s not a day I don’t think about him …my gramps. and I’m his #1GD. 
Jennifer Smejkalova

I can’t write a book today but it always feels like we have just a little bit more time to say the things we want...I’m so glad I got 29 or your 86 years and I’m confident I’ll see you on the other side. Rest in paradise.
Ilia Mangin


Todd called me last night to check in and while we were both trying not to cry, he told me that at least now we can talk to Grandpa- that he'll hear us. So I hung up the phone and sat in the kitchen talking to him for an hour. This morning at 6AM, while it was still dark outside, I was standing at the Keurig praying for strength to get through work today without tears. Suddenly, the whole kitchen was filled with bright light. Grandpa, I know you're listening. We all love you.
Rebecca Michelle Salfrank

We will miss him so much. He’s the only grandfather my kids remember.
Ann Smallwood Washington


Our world just lost one of the greatest souls it ever had.
Todd Norris

 
Over the last few weeks of his life, Grandpa and I spoke nearly every day in short spurts when he was feeling well enough. Mainly, it was just me checking in and telling Grandpa how much I love him and it was him just talking about how wonderful he thinks Josh is lol. During one, especially lengthy conversation, he wanted to talk about his grandchildren as a whole. He told me that he loved us all and how lucky he felt to have so much love in his life. He specifically spoke of my sister, Ilia Mangin and Jennifer Šmejkalová, when referencing motherhood and how amazing he thought that they all are at it. He spoke of how beautiful their children are and how much he loves them. He talked about how proud he is of Rebecca Salfrank and the hard work that she put into her getting her degree. He spoke of Todd Norris and Amanda Santos and the loving life that they share together. He spoke so lovingly about all of our spouses and what wonderful people they all are. He talked about people that I don't know and how much he loves them all. It was a lengthy conversation and he got tired, so we had to end the phone call. As we all move through our grief, I thought it would be nice to share the sweet things he said about all of you. His love lives in on in all of us.
Kristina Burch

Dad was someone I could talk to about anything.  Whenever, I needed advice on the yard, plants, fixing things in my house, medical issues that I didn't understand, venting about issues at work or family matters, he was there.  I miss you, Daddy, a lot.  I find myself, thinking now, I'll just give you a call, and then realize that I can no longer do that, because you are now in heaven.  You were a wonderful Christian, friend, and father.  I love you very much and look forward to seeing you someday in the future and I plan on giving you a big hug, too.
Harla Schlegelmilch

RIP daddy. We will miss your joy, your endless discussions of quantum mechanics and the expanding universe, and your wonderful ideas about God. See you on the other side! .... You do know that I still want to see a ghost!
Angela Broadus
 

My best man / Dad//friend! We love you Verle!!! RIP Dad! We love you Verle! You fought the good fight! You loved every one! Such a brilliant man of God! Our loss -Heaven’s gain!
Jimmy Baker

 
While I had a father, you were my dad. You were always there for me as a true father should be. I will miss you very much. I love you Verle.
Timothy Smallwood

Dad. I think about him, and I think about all the people here, and I smile. What a great man. What love I see here …three families, blended together, from him. Capacity beyond reason, love beyond bounds, he will always be remembered as the anchor to our family.

I’m Timothy, the youngest, I was in my early 20’s when my mom and Verle said they were getting married. I remember thinking, “That’s fine; I don’t need another father.” We came back and I met Verle for the first time. He didn’t end up being my father, but he was my dad. He was always there when you needed him …all ears. Unfortunately for me, Angela got all the niceties, but the Verle I knew laughed and found joy and had a heart bigger than words. As Dustin said, he brought together three families. He brought together spouses, adopted children, and had an abundance of love and we are going to miss him.

...(con't) "When you get enough, come back in. Then I am going to tell you how to make fig preserves.” Now, I had never made fig preserves in my life, I tried pear preserves one time and it wasn’t too successful, but I do what he says because this is Verle speaking. I do what he says, and I pick them from the tree loaded with figs and I come back. He proceeds to tell me the detailed instructions and the proper procedure to follow in the making of fig preserves. Well, he does this not once, but twice, because he wants to make sure I’ve got this. Long story short, I go back home and follow his directions, and the fig preserves are a success! And tasted great! Like fig preserves! Exactly one week ago, today, Jimmy was there that morning, I was there that afternoon. I’m visiting with Verle and JoAnn and tell him “well, thanks to you I can make fig preserves now!” and this tickles him and I can tell he’s proud. We’ve always wanted to make him proud. So even near the end of his earthly life he was still taking charge and inspiring confidence even if it was only in the seemingly small matter of fig preserves. It was a good day, and one I will always cherish.

Every memory I have of Verle is special, but there are some things common to all my memories of him, each and every memory includes that smile and laughter he has. He’s always smiling and laughing. His zest for life; he lived life to the fullest. His love of learning; was a life-long learner and a life-long teacher. His contagious joy; he was a joyful man. And most of all his love for God and his family. I am so grateful to have known him, to have loved him, and to have been loved by him. What a blessing.

Hi, I’m Jenny Holladay. I was also blessed to call Verle, my stepdad and dad. What can you say about a man who took you in as a young adult, still trying to find yourself, called you his daughter, walked you down the aisle, cared for your mother following the vows of “in sickness and in health till death do us part.” What can you say about a man who extended that love to your grandmother until she passed and also loved your children’s husbands. Well, there just aren’t enough words. Verle was a remarkable man. He married my mother, Mary Jane and brought her such happiness even though they were only married a short while, until she lost her battle with cancer. And then he found JoAnn, married her and brought her into our lives. She has cared for him, just like he cared for our mother. She is a sweet and precious soul and we love her dearly.

We were asked to think of special memories we had with Verle. I thought of a very recent one, that to me embodies who he was. A little over a week ago, I went out to visit him, and Angela (who is my sister) and JoAnn had gone to get brunch, and Dustin was there. We were sitting in Verle’s man-cave with all of his stuff. We were sitting looking out the long window, outside, it was a beautiful day. Now Verle had a very commanding voice, and he was a very take-charge person, if you didn’t know that about him already. All of a sudden, in typical Verle fashion, I hear “Daughter!” He did know my name was Jenny, but a lot of times this was the way he would get your attention. Same thing with my brother Jimmy, “Son!” or even “Grandson!” or “Granddaughter!” depending on who he was talking to. I stopped whatever I was doing, and I sprang to attention and I listened intently because I knew he was going to tell me something I needed to know. Figs. The subject was Figs. I needed to know about Figs. He said, “Daughter, you see that tree out there. I want you to go outside and pick some figs." ...(con't)

...(con't) He loved life and parties, music and family, and people to the end. I never told him, but maybe the only better stepdad through time was Joseph - Jesus Christ’s step-in dad.

He was humbled that so many called or visited him in his sickness and said he was so blessed. He loved his family…everyone! He blessed us all, even at his bedside a week before he passed, in a fashion like Abraham - even looked like Charlton Heston in the ”10 Commandments.” He had a Good Day his last Saturday; he told me “I feel good, like I could walk but I can’t (or better not).” He blessed me with some last few words that day, Monday. He joked about coffee he spilled as he fell asleep holding it. Thank God it wasn’t hot. He said that was a rude awakening – “apologies if I sleep now.” As he held my hand, he said, “I’m glad you’re here son.” He called me son. Not stepson. All the kids were sons and daughters. He was consistent and treated all equally. Joann and he married 31 years; never argued. I’m a counselor and I need Joann to help me write a book on how to do that… I’ve never met a man who saw the good in everyone and the positive in everything. He had his views, took his stand, but never let those things get in the way of loving people. He made everyone feel welcomed. He was a realist, logical – “spirituality and science don’t contradict.” He said, “I’ve been ready to go home for a while now.”

As I look back over his life on this earth, I saw in him - who he truly resembled - it wasn’t Elvis Costello - it was the love of Jesus!

I’m Jimmy Baker. I was blessed to have two great fathers, a grandfather and two great moms. Let me explain. Verle accepted me as his son. My biological dad died when I was 10. My mother started dating Verle when I was around 16-17 years old. When I met Verle, I thought, “who is this guy with porkchop sideburns looking like Elvis Costello – kind of traditional-looking, but contemporary, and a bit quirky in a cool way?” I thought if my mother likes him and he makes her happy, then okay. Elvis wrote a song stating what’s so funny about peace love and understanding. Verle was all about those things. He was a wise man. I spent the night over one night and thought, “too strict, too military for my rock-and-roll-self …10:00pm bedtime, demanded quiet tv, very low if not off!” Later, I really grew to love him. He was there to advise me when I asked for guidance. He was my friend and became my Dad. Later, he was by my mother’s side, taking care of her as she succumbed to cancer. He was my best man at Leigh’s and my wedding. Also, he loved my grandmother, Mama Baker. He sent her flowers every Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. She loved roses and he continued to love, and be loved by, her till her death - years later. I like the confusion caused when I told others I technically had a stepdad and a stepmom - Joann. What a precious gift Joann has been loving and accepting everyone. Such a beautiful, loving Christian wife taking care of him-always by his side. And I can’t name everyone cause it’s true with the whole family, but my bio sister, Jenny and not-technically-blood-but-my-sister, Angela took such loving devoted care of our Dad and I can’t forget my brother, Dustin. Just so blessed we all are - to count each other as family just as Verle wanted. There were many lectures about life, science, and God. He had such a sharp mind. He had a lot to do with the AF School at Gunter. ...(con't)

... (con't) He taught himself Hebrew. He taught himself multiple computer languages and he taught himself how to put together a computer from the components, the parts, the resistors, the capacitors, before there were motherboards. So, he was brilliant, but he was also loving, a stern disciplinarian. In our family, we’d rather he just quit talking at us and just got on with the spanking, because he didn’t, he would lecture you for an hour and then quiz you over what he lectured you about. Then he would tell you he would give you a couple of spankings. That was dad. He wanted to talk about Einstein, compare the bible to the mysteries of the universe right after dinner. I was once accused (wrongly) of wanting to discuss it with him so I could avoid washing the dishes. So that was my dad, the man was there always. If you had a question, always had advice. The last thing I want to tell you is that he was a firm believer in failure. He said, if you are not failing to do something, you need to find something harder to do. When you fail at whatever it is you are trying to do, that’s a good sign, figure it out, keep going and fail some more. That’s my dad. I just wanted to tell you.

I am Angela, Dad’s second born daughter. I wanted to tell you a little about him that some of you may not know. One - you knew he was the constant instructor or teacher and many of you were in his Sunday school class. I’m sure that over and over he told you he was right. One thing you may not know is that dad was not expected to live at all. He was born between two and three months early and at the time was put in a shoebox and shoved on the floor near a mama cat and her kittens that happened to be in the home. He was born at home, Fonda, Iowa. Well, they dealt with my grandmother in her grief, got her fixed up, and they were preparing to leave and the nurse heard something. She thought it was a kitten but it wasn’t a kitten, it was my dad. The doctor said, “Don’t become attached to this baby, it will not live.” My mother heard that for the first seven years of my dad’s life …that he wasn’t going to live. He was too young …he was too frail …he’s always sick …he’s not going to live. Well, he outlived all of them. So that was good. My dad was a genius, which means IQ. He was a genius and he wanted everyone in the family to know it. That’s why he was always right. He was one of those men. And no matter where we lived, he always had a lab. When I was 12 or 13 that lab was in the basement and we were told if you want to see dad, after work, then you have to go to his lab. But when you get to his lab you had to announce that you were there, because his lab literally was in electronics and he was on a grounding pad. If you went up to him without letting him know and touched him, you weren’t grounded. I remember one time, my mother, his first wife, went up to him to kiss him on his ear, didn’t say a thing and found herself across the room. She swore he did that on purpose, but he did not. My dad is also known for constantly studying physics. Believe it or not, he was a self-taught
physicist, theoretical physicist. He also taught himself Greek. ...(con't)

Dalraida Church of Christ

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His is also survived by his children and step children, 
Harla
Angela
Jenny
Jimmy,
Ann
Kenneth
James
Timothy

He is also survived by his 18 grand children and 16 great grand children.

OBITUARY

Verle Arden Tillotson

May 5, 1933 – July 23, 2019

Leak Memory Chapel

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