Joella F. Tillman

Joella Frances Tillman, affectionally called Jo, was born to the late Louis and Alberta Sutherland on January 1, 1933 in Louisville, KY.  The oldest of the children, Jo carried out her role as the big sister with a badge of honor, always making sure her siblings were doing the right thing.  Jo was an excellent student, graduating at age 17 with honors from Central High School in Louisville.  She was awarded a scholarship to attend college but decided to accept a position at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  She worked there for 40 years, retiring as a Computer Program Analyst; a position rarely held by a black person during that era. 

At the age of 20, Joella married Charles Childs from Dayton, Ohio, and from that union they were blessed with Carlotta and Yvonne.  They divorced several years later.  She fell in love and married Rufus Tillman Jr. in 1966.  From that union they were blessed with Ron.   Shortly thereafter, Rufus suffered a major stroke and suddenly Jo had to function as a caretaker, wife, and mother of three children alone.  She provided daily care to Rufus until his death in 2010.  She built a loving and nurturing home, and she was always present at activities her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren participated in. She loved her family very much.  

Joella was energetic and enjoyed many activities.  She enjoyed watching sports, baking, and listening to music.  She loved playing card games such as poker and bridge.  She won many local and national bridge tournaments and was known for her ability to strategize and to speak her truth.  She was a member of the Dayton Duplicate Bridge Club and participated in the Black Bridge Club in Inglewood, CA, when she visited Los Angeles.  She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, and she supported many political and social organizations in Dayton. Shopping was a daily pass-time for her especially for exquisite clothing. She became one of the best dress women in Dayton.  She also enjoyed her friends, family, and traveling.  She traveled to Africa, Mexico, Jamacia and many US cities.  One of her favorite cities was Los Angeles.  LA became her second home, spending time with her daughter Carlotta and grandson Ben. She had a life in LA that mirrored her life in Dayton.   

Joella was raised in a Methodist Church and accepted the Lord at an early age.  When she moved to Dayton she became a member of St. Margaret Episcopal Church.  She later joined Believers Christian Fellowship Church under the leadership of Reverend William E. Harris Jr. where she remained a member.  She loved her church, the fellowship, and ministry. 

Joella was called home by the Lord on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.  She is survived by her three children, Carlotta Seagle, Yvonne Myrick and Ron Tillman; her sister-cousin, Linda (William) Green; grandchildren, Ashley and Mike Myrick, Earle Benjamin (Brittnay) Seagle IV, Rahn Amani and Aaron Tillman, and Anthony Long; two great grandchildren, Alyse Nyeswah and Earle Benjamin Seagle V.  She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including her neighbor and “partner in crime”, Rosemary Lewis.

Visitation 9 am- 10:30 am Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, OH. Family will receive friends 9:30 am- 10:30 am. Graveside Service 11 am at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W. Third Street, Dayton, OH.

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