Ruth Tilley

Ruth Cantrell Tilley, age 79, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Community Hospice Center for Caring at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Southside.  Ruth was born in Dresden, Tennessee to Wayne Cantrell and India Darnell Cantrell.  She and her husband, J.F. lived in Jonesboro, AR before moving to Fort Myers, FL and then to Jacksonville. Ruth worked for many years with National Life and Accident Ins. Co., and was the first female agency owner in the State of Tennessee.  She began a banking career after relocating to Florida, first with Barnett Bank in Fort Myers and retired from Bank of America as branch manager. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sibling and friend.

In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, John L. (J.F.) Tilley; sisters, Faye Cantrell Crawford and Jayne Cantrell Tilley. She is survived by her children: daughter, Debbie Henegar, sons, Jeffrey (Donna) Tilley and Terry Tilley; grandchildren, Ashley (Daniel) Plummer, Cody Tilley and Clay Davis-Tilley; sister, Nell Sims of Texas; brother, Tom (Brenda) Cantrell of Tennessee; brother-in-law, Eugene Wright (Frances) of Florida; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home with burial at Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Our mothers’ passing was one of peace and love, dignity and grace. Our family wishes to thank the staff at Community Hospice. We are humbled by the care and compassion shown both to our mother and our family.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.

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