Frances Tillman

Frances Gaines Tillman was born in Waynesboro Ga. on October 21, 1920 (according to Ga. Vital records) or October 21, 1908 (according to what is being described as a “slave date”) listed in the family bible. She was the first of six children born to the late Nathaniel Roscoe Gaines and Mattie Barnes Gaines. Frances lost her mother when she was 10 years old. True to what would become her practice, Frances states “I started my own business to help take care of my brothers and sisters.” After residing in Nyack New York for nearly 50 years, Frances relocated back to the south, by way of Atlanta GA and eventually settling in Greenacres, Florida where she passed away on June 24, 2011 at her home in Greenacres with her family at her side. Mrs. Tillman leaves to cherish her memory her children Gloria Gaines of New York, Claude Tillman Jr. of Nyack, NY, Russell Johnson (Carole) of Lithonia, GA, Kim Butler (Robert) of Greenacres, Fl, Steven Tillman (Shelley) of Port St Lucie, Fl, Claire Rocco of Nyack, NY, Anthony Rocco of Nyack, NY, Mildred Hickerson, of Nyack, NY, Ronald Reed of Brooklyn, NY, Anthony Tillman of New Jersey, and Kareem Tillman of Bronx, NY; her grandchildren Jennipher Johnson, Raymond Bullock, Michael Gaines, Malinda Gaines, Pam Smith, Cheryl Gaines, Kattia, Robert Jr. and Russell Butler, Elijah Tillman and Shalieah Senat. She will also be missed by her sister Annie Corker (Eugene) of New York, and brothers Russell Gaines (Ida) of Alexandria, VA. and Nathaniel “Bubba” Gaines of New York, her loving nieces Pauline Moore (Ralph) and Jeannie Corker as well as 4 great-grandchildren Jordan, Darian, Tramaine and Kendall and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Besides her children Frances prided herself on becoming a foster mother to over 300 children in her life time. Frances is predeceased by her sister Meada and brother Milton Gaines. Frances attended Russell’s Business College, where she majored in business law. She also attended Hunter College where she was mentored by the famous Attorney, Lucious L Delaney, Esquire. Frances has been a notary Public since 1957. From 1951-1969 she was employed as a legal and medical secretary. She also worked as a Licensed Real Estate Broker. Frances worked at Letchworth Village in Rockland County until her retirement. Frances was an avid civil rights and community activist. She became a lifetime member of the NAACP, where she served as secretary and Vice President; Past president of the Order of the Eastern Stars, President of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Association of Rockland County, Treasurer of Rockland Community Action Council (ROCAC), candidate for South Nyack Village Board of Trustees, Member of the MLK Freedom Association for Community Action and the commission for the elimination of racism (A program unit of the council of churches of the NY City area). Frances conducted the first cotillion for African Americans in Rockland County sponsored by the Negro Business and Professional Association .In addition to her list of accomplishments, Frances was the Founder and Treasurer of the Central Nyack Federal Credit Union, she ran on the Democratic ticket as Town Clerk and served as Vice President and Business advisor to JET SET, in New York City. Frances Tillman was a loving mother and friend who supported many and was a role model for all she touched. She will be missed so much because of her wonderful story telling, community involvement and her ability to love so many. A viewing will be held on Friday July 1, 2011 at Tillman Funeral Home in West Palm Beach, Fl from 7-9p.m. followed by funeral services on Saturday July 2, 2011 at 1 p.m. also at Tillman Funeral Home. Her final resting place will be at Glenwood Cemetery in Riviera Beach, Fl. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain; for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4