Obituary of Shirley Ann Tillery

Shirley Ann Streat Tillery, daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary R. Streat, was born on November 15, 1943 in Cartersville, Virginia. At an early age, Shirley Ann accepted Christ and was baptized at Little Fork Baptist Church. She was educated in Cumberland County Public Schools. Shirley Ann grew up on a farm until her graduation from Luther P. Jackson High School in 1962. Then she moved to Richmond, Virginia where she met and married William Tillery. From that union came one son, Dexter Tillery. Shirley Ann relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after her son was born and stayed until 1976. She then returned to Cartersville to live with her father. During his later years, Shirley Ann was his caregiver until he transitioned August 26, 1997. After her youngest brother, "Clee", was called home September 19, 2000, she moved to Richmond, Virginia with her older brother, Benjamin and his wife, Mary. She lived there until November 2000 when she went to an independent living facility in Henrico County. While living in Henrico County, Shirley Ann enjoyed many activities such as going to the Lakeside house, taking trips to the mall, interacting with her friends, nd traveling. In July 2017, Shirley Ann became ill. She fought a good fight while undergoing surgeries and extensive hospital stays. She was moved to Elizabeth Adam Crump Nursing Facility in September 2017 where she stayed until God selected her to receive her reward the morning of Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Shirley Ann leaves to cherish her memory one son, Dexter Tillery of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a brother, Benjamin E. Streat (Mary); a sister-in-law, Dorothy B. Streat; one uncle, John "Buddy" Streat; two aunts, Lucille Evans and Mozelle Johnson (George); one nephew, Marvin A. Streat (Debbie); two nieces, Melba S. Turner (Chris) and Brandy S. Weaver (Kevin); a host of great-nephews, one great-niece, cousins, other relatives and friends. "I'm Free" Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life's been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.