Mary Frances Burton Tilley
Mary Tilley, age 94, passed away on August 12, 2016, at Brandon Wilde in Augusta, GA after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A graveside service will be Monday, August 15, 2016, 10:00 AM, at historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, NC.
Mary was a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. She was a graduate of Peace College in Raleigh. She married her beloved husband of 69 years, Thomas M. Tilley on March 14, 1942. Immediately after they were married, Tom, an U.S. Army Air Corps fighter pilot, was sent to North Africa during WWII. Mary shared her husband’s love of aviation, as demonstrated when she soloed in an open cockpit biplane in 1941. While in the Air Force, Mary and Tom were stationed in many different parts of US, including Alaska. They loved to travel, taking trips to Europe, Russia, and Japan. When Tom retired from the Air Force after 30 years of service, they decided to retire in Colorado Springs. Mary was an administrative assistant at Pine Valley Elementary School for 15 years. Mary was also an avid sports fan. She really enjoyed tailgating with good friends at the United States Air Force Academy football games. She was very active member of the Kinnikinnik chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Air Force Academy Officers Wives Club, and the Retired Officers Wives Club.
Mary was a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She often reminded her daughters as they were growing up to “remember who you are.” She was the epitome of a true southern lady.
She is preceded in death by her husband who passed away at age 93 in 2011. Mary is survived by her two daughters, Jane Barton (Rocky) of Augusta, GA, Nancy Avery of Atlanta, GA, grandson, T.J. Barton (Christy), and two great grandsons, Marshall and Andrew Barton of Augusta.
If desired, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the CSRA Humane Society. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Belinda Leverett, Maydene Barfield, Regina Jackson, and Mary O’Bryant who were lovingly dedicated to her care over the past several years.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com