Hilda Laurel Baker Tillman

Hilda Laurel Baker Tillman passed away on November 28, 2020 at her son’s home in Toccoa, Georgia.  She was born on March 2, 1925, one of nine children to the late Henry Wise Baker and Rachel Stanford Baker. Hilda lived the majority of her life in Durham, N.C.  She is survived by her daughter, Judith Tillman (Wade Rawlins) of Raleigh, N.C., and her son Doug Tillman (Emily) of Toccoa; grandchildren Grayson Tillman (Amy) of Guyton, Ga., and Sinclair Tillman Smith (Kiefer) of Toccoa. She is also survived by her sister Joanne Baker Sgrosso (Vincent), of Atlanta, Ga., and Sidney Baker of Durham, N.C., as well as many nieces and nephews.  

Hilda graduated from Durham High School in 1943, and married Julian Carr Tillman on October 18, 1947. Hilda was preceded in death by Julian, her husband of 29 years; brothers Harrell, Bill, Melvin, Benny and Newton, and her sister, Dorothy Tilley.

Hilda was an executive administrative assistant at what was then Wachovia Bank in Durham (now Wells Fargo).  Hilda was a prolific poet, and her book of  poetry, Laurel Leaves, was published in 2012.  In later years she loved to have her poems read to her out loud.  For decades she also wrote poems for friends and family on special occasions.  Her wonderful creativity and imagination brought joy to all who knew her.  Hilda was a family woman to her core -- a dedicated and kind wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt.  

After retirement from Wachovia in 1988, Hilda retained her joy in life, her generous nature, her curiosity and her mischievous, funny, clever wit.  She was a member of Guess Road Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. Hilda moved to Toccoa in 2014 to be near her son and family.

A private memorial service, due to Covid 19 restrictions, will be held at Hawfields Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Hawfields, N.C., where generations of her family attended church and are interred with the Rev. Andrew Ivester officiating. 

The family will be forever grateful for the Hospice care given by Amedisys of Toccoa.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, La., 70816, or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill., 60601. 

Acree-Davis Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Hilda Laurel Baker Tillman.