Gail Perkins Tillman

GREENSBORO Gail Perkins Tillman, 77, died peace fully at home with her loved ones present and has now joined her family and friends in heaven. She was born August 22, 1939 in Danville, Virginia to Alonso Reid Perkins and Harriet Powers Perkins. Gail was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. At a young age, Gail and her sister, Harriet Reid Perkins, came to live with her grandmother, Cornelia Stevenson Callum Perkins, "Other Mama," on Church Street, in Greensboro. Gail attended Aycock Junior High School and Greensboro Senior High, where she was a cheerleader, and met the love of her life, Sandy. She attended Morris Dobbs Secretarial School and was presented by the Greensboro Debutante Club in 1957. In September of 1958, Gail married Linton Alexander "Sandy" Tillman at First Presbyterian Church and began their life together. Over the next 59 years, their blessings increased and their family grew to include: daughters, Laura and her husband Mark Mortensen, their children: Richard Wait Mortensen and Adam Alexander Mortensen; Elizabeth "Betsy" Reid Tillman Murray and her children: James Hornaday Murray, Jr. and Gail Reid Murray. In 1987, with her husband Sandy, they founded a very innovative and successful textile company, Texturing Services, Inc. Gail was a member of West Market Street United Methodist Church for over 50 years and taught Sunday school for the senior high. One of her proudest accomplishments was participation in the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), where she was honored to be a leader for five years. She was a member of the Junior League of Greensboro and her favorite placement was Pixie Playhouse, where she and her sister Harriet had lead roles in theater productions. She was a proud member of the Mayflower Society and also the Knights of the Garter. She was loved by all that met her and will be missed by all. A celebration of her life and the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2017 in the sanctuary of W. Market Street United Methodist Church and the family will visit with friends following the service in the church's Gathering Space. If desired and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Gail to the Greensboro Urban Ministry, 305 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27406 or to the Salvation Army, 1311 S. Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27406. Online condolences may be made through www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes@dignitymemorial.com.