Viewing will be 4-8 PM Thursday and Friday at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 6934 S Western Ave. OKC, OK 73139.

Funeral service to celebrate and honor her life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the South Colonial Chapel.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, February 19, 2024 at Resthaven Memory Gardens.

Jerlene Mildred Tillery, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the age of 89. The daughter of Lucille (Matthews) and Earl Stewart, Jerlene was born on March 17, 1934 in Wetumka, Oklahoma. Jerlene attended Capitol Hill High School but left for an extended period of time to join the love of her life Earl "Buddy" Eugene Tillery, in Georgia. They were married on December 31,1951. To this union of marriage, they were blessed with two daughters, Shelia and Janice, and a son, Greg. Jerlene was the ultimate wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She eventually went back to Capitol Hill High School and fulfilled her requirements to receive her diploma. She was dedicated to her family and especially her grandchildren. When Jerlene would bake cookies or make dinner, she would invite the grandchildren to sit on the counter to help with cooking and baking, then sent them home with goody bags. She and Earl gave freely and wholeheartedly of their time, talents, and compassion. They would often go to the nursing homes providing and ministering to the residents, playing the piano and singing to them. On many special occasions, Jerlene would make corsages and footies for the residents to wear. Jerlene was also very involved in her church. She loved to go to bible studies and helping with the Missionettes until her health wouldn't allow her to. A very talented and skilled seamstress, Jerlene enjoyed quilting, sewing and knitting, and they were all done by hand. Her handmade quilts won her an award at the Oklahoma State Fair, which made her very proud. She never used a sewing machine. Her crafts and designs were often given to those in need and also those she loved dearly. Among her many hobbies,,Jerlene also enjoyed making ceramic dolls. She had a heart for the Lord and others. She was continually thinking of others and always putting their needs before her own. However, whenever it came to spoiling her precious grandchildren, there was no one on earth who could spoil them more than she could! Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the lights of her life and they will be tremendously blessed by the legacy of love she has left. She was loved by many and will be truly be missed by all!

She was preceded in death by her:

Parents;

Husband 64 years, Earl "Buddy" Tillery;

Daughter, Shelia Ann Stanley.

She leaves behind her loving family:

Son, Greg Tillery and his wife, Norma;

Daughter, Janice McDonald and husband Thomas;

Brothers, William Stewart and Ricky Stewart;

Sister, Betty Stewart;

6 Grandchildren: Amber Huston and her husband, Chris; Asheli Nall; Mandy Summers and her husband, Cory; Whitney Floyd and her husband, Walter; and Lauren Tillery and Tyler Tillery.

3 Great Grandchildren: Greyson Huston, Brooks Huston and Benny Floyd;

Many other extended family & friends.

Viewing will be 4-8 PM Thursday and Friday at the funeral home. Funeral service to celebrate and honor her life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the South Colonial Chapel. Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, February 19, 2024 at Resthaven Memory Gardens.