Patricia Ann "Patty" Tillis

Patricia Ann "Patty" Tillis August 28, 1931 - October 17, 2015 Patricia Ann "Patty" Tillis, age 84, of St. Augustine, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in DeLand, Florida. While attending DeLand High School, she met her husband to be, Palmer Tillis, who was serving in the U.S. Army, and married him on October 8, 1948. Patty & Palmer settled in DeLand and raised a family of four children. In 1973, the family moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where her husband was transferred with the National Guard. Patty enjoyed living in St. Augustine and worked as a manager of Ximenez - Fatio House Museum from 1989-1992. For 42 years, Patty was a very active member of Anastasia Baptist Church. Outside of her husband and family, her church was the most important and valued thing in her life. She loved to cook for other people and had a smile that could light up a room. She put those gifts to use at Anastasia cooking for events and managing the kitchen for many years. Among the many other ways she served, she also volunteered in the nursery, was the secretary for adult Sunday school, and was involved in mission work. Patty was always thinking of others, even in her final illness she was more concerned with others than herself. The one hobby that Patty enjoyed was going on cruises with her family and friends. She was loved by her family and her church family and she will be deeply missed. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harold Palmer "HP" Tillis of St. Augustine; daughters, Stephanie Ann Smith and Tammy Tillis; sons, Steve Tillis and wife Debbie, and Guy Tillis, all of St. Augustine; brothers, Fred Bowman of Jacksonville, Joe Bowman of DeLand; former daughter in law, Jolie Kelly of DeLand; former sister in law, Deborah Bowman of St. Augustine, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son in law, Chuck Smith. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Anastasia Baptist Church with Dr. Walter West and Rev. Ron Moore officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Patty's memory can be made to: Anastasia Baptist Church Building Fund, 1650 A1A S., St. Augustine, FL. 32080, or to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL. 32257. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.