Thais Barbara Jean Tillman

Thais “Barbara” Jean Tillman 

May 8th, 1927 - September 3rd, 2022

95 years old

Surrounded by family, Barbara was peacefully called home on September 3rd, 2022. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Chambers, her brothers Jim and Harold Hacker, and her son, Timothy Phillips. She leaves behind nieces, nephews, and many friends who all knew her as “Aunt Barb”. 

Barbara was born in Bloomington, Indiana on May, 8th 1927. She grew up in a close knit family with many cousins who were more like brothers & sisters. She spent her childhood in Indiana & eventually migrated to Arizona, and then onto Texas. 

She called Gila Bend, Arizona home for many years. While living in Gila Bend she was a very active member of the community. She bartended at the family owned bar, Curt’s Place, managed the Space Age Restaurant, and managed the Gila Bend School cafeteria. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Gila Bend. She helped with leading Sunday School & AWANA’s.  She also volunteered for numerous projects such as the “brown bag” at the community center. She never imagined she would leave Gila Bend. 

In November 2015, Barbara moved to San Marcos, Texas. She moved to be closer to her son, Tim, in Vidor Texas & her niece, Amanda, in Wimberley, Texas. Unfortunately, her son passed away soon after her move to Texas. She spent the following years spending time with Amanda and her family and building a community of friends in San Marcos. She attended Open Door Baptist Church in San Marcos and was warmly welcomed by Pastor Evans and his wife Nancy. She was an active member of the church and helped bring many people through the church doors.  

Barbara lived a long life of service. Always giving to others through work, being an active member in her church, & volunteering for numerous community projects. She had a love for the Lord that was bigger than this world. While she leaves behind big shoes to fill, in her own words she would say “I’m payed up, prayed up, & ready to go up”.

Two Celebrations of life will take place for her Texas and Arizona friends and family. 

The first celebration of life will be on October 9th, 2022 at 6pm. Open Door Baptist Church
3800 HWY 123 | San Marcos, TX 78666

The second celebration of life will be a joint service for Barbara and her son Tim in Gila Bend, Az. The service will take place on March 17th, 2023. More details to come. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Barbara’s honor to:

Open Door Baptist Church
3800 HWY 123 | San Marcos, TX 78666

“The Barbara Tillman Memorial Fund”

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