of Searcy, AR
May 5, 1929 - April 21, 2022
Leona Lucille Tilley (92) of Searcy, Arkansas was born on May 5, 1929, to Fred and Rosa Smith in the small mountain community of Pine Snag in Cleburne County, Arkansas. Surrounded by family, Leona was peacefully carried into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday evening, April 21, 2022.
Growing up on a farm during the Great Depression, Leona gained a genuine understanding of love for family and reliance on God.
She was married on March 1, 1947, to James C. Tilley of Newark, Arkansas. Early in their 55-year marriage, James and Leona settled in Searcy and became members of the Park Avenue Baptist Church.
Leona is preceded in death by her husband and parents; brother, Porter Smith (Opal); sister, Irene Riddle (Tomie); sister, Reba Marsh; and brother-in-law Roy Tilley. She is survived by her sister Audrey Tilley of Searcy, AR, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
Leona fondly reminisced of friendships gained during the 30 years she worked at the White County Federal Credit Union, and often spoke of her great love and appreciation for her church family at Park Avenue Baptist. She found joy in sewing and was an excellent cook. Her coconut cake was often the first to be devoured at church and family functions.
Simply stated, Leona Tilley was loved and will be missed. The family would like to give a special recognition to the staff at Providence and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Park Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund.
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11 Condolence(s)
Vicky Salkeld Dahinden
Thursday, April 28, 2022
I knew Leona through my work with the AR Credit Union League. She was a great Christian made and a blessing to the members of White County FCU. She was always smiling and loved to help people. My prayers are with her family.
Ladonna Eden
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Ms. Leona was a sweet person.
I worked with her at White County Federal Credit Union. She trained me to take her position when she retired.
She would bring us homemade cakes and food all the time. Great cook.
She will be greatly missed.
Linda Allee
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
I served on the Loan Committee and later on the Board of Directors when Leona oversaw the Credit Union. Leona was a blessing to that organization. She was truly dedicated and conscientious and always wanted the best for the membership.
Pam Stitt
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
My sincere condolences to her family that she loved so much. As her next door neighbor, her hot rolls were a special treat. Mrs Tilley was a very special lady and I loved her very much.
Tommy and Cathy Loyks
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Miss Tilley was so Loved by our family.
A funny thing remembered…
We were wanting a loan from the Credit Union “a lot†of years ago and Ms Tilley came to our house. She saw our little Shih Shu dog and started towards him to give him a little love. (After all, he was wagging his tail)!!
Well, before we could warn her, he bit her on the hand!!🤦â€â™€ï¸
We still received the loan, which was paid back years ago😃
She will be so missed, by so many!!
Irene Gray
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Leona was always such a pleasure to deal with at the Credit Union, such a nice last. Condolences to her family.
Irene Gray
JOHN JR, AND LYNDA BAILEY
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
What a blessing you have been to so many people you have touched, so many lives. You always had that beautiful smile and always had such respect for everyone, you always showed your love for Christ and his teachings, you will be missed by everyone, You and James are once again United in Heaven, we are praying for your family and sending our love to them, May God help them with their loss. John and Lynda Bailey
John andBettye Wilson
Monday, April 25, 2022
Our condolences to Audrey and all the family. Leona was a lovely lady.
Amy Thompson
Monday, April 25, 2022
I’m sorry for your loss. Your family is being held in our prayers as you walk through this time of grief. Praise Jesus that we have assurance that we will see our loved ones again.
Delton Durant Hughes
Saturday, April 23, 2022
I have fond memories of James and Leona Tilley as a young kid attending Park Avenue Baptist Church where the late George Pierce and the late Levi Reynolds and the late Lawrence Britten were pastors during young my adolescence years and late teens. I had high respect for James and Lenna as very faithful and dedicated to the Lord and church where they served as members for many years. Sincere condolences to the surviving loved ones of Leona.
Melissa Carter pearce
Saturday, April 23, 2022
I will always remember how sweet Mrs. Tilley was when my dad would bring me in the credit union in the yellow house as a child. So sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful person.