Barbara Tilford

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 Barbara Louise Stigall was born to Wilma Stevenson and Sidney Stigall in Seminole, Oklahoma on September 15, 1934. As a youth she was an award-winning orator and academician. A graduate of L’ouverture High School, Langston University, and St. Mary’s College, Mrs. Tilford earned degrees in Education and worked as a teacher for over 20 years until her retirement. She was primarily employed by the Contra Costa School District at Riverview Elementary School, where she earned the title of Teacher of the Year on multiple occasions and taught Drama to hundreds of eager scholars during her tenure. While residing in Concord, California, she was an active member of the Black Families Association, St. Paul A.M.E. church in Berkeley, and Delta Sigma Theta (Vallejo alumnae chapter). Though the recipient of many awards, honors and accolades, she was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. She loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Barbara Tilford was an active member of three AME churches in adulthood: St. John AME church in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Paul AME church in Berkeley, California; and New Bethel AME church in Lithonia, Georgia. As an active participant in those houses of worship, she established a youth drama department, hosted an annual Chili Supper, worked in the YPD, and attended weekly Prayer meetings. In addition, she was often called upon to lend her voice to various celebrations, programs, and performances. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.' Proverbs 31:28–29 Barbara Louise Tilford was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Baxter LaVonne Tilford, and is survived by four children (Patrice, Vonetta, Terri, and Baxter Jr.); five grandchildren (Camille, Evonna, Erika, Shanelle, and Baxter Ken); and a host of relatives and close friends who mourn with the immediate family. Interment will be in McAlester, Oklahoma. Barbara Tilford remains, simply, our mother; we were blessed to have been loved by her. Her strength, perseverance, and compassion molded our lives.

Tributes

Barbara Tilford

September 15, 1934 - December 12, 2022