Verreice Loretta Tilley

Funeral services for Verreice Tilley, 92, of Athens, are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Athens with Scott Deupree officiating.

Mrs. Tilley passed away on November 12, 2025, in Athens.

Verreice Loretta (Peoples) Tilley was born on September 19, 1933, in Jacksonville, Texas, to James Alvin Peoples and Artie Mae (Cary) Peoples. She graduated as the salutatorian from Fred Douglass High School in Jacksonville in 1951 and subsequently attended cosmetology school. Verreice later worked as a paraprofessional at the Athens Independent School District. She had a passion for discussing and teaching the Bible and truly loved engaging with people. Verreice was always eager to help others, particularly the elderly and those in need. She also enjoyed sending get-well and anniversary cards. Verreice will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Maharold Peoples Sr and Carolyn Peoples; and by her sister and brother-in-law, Willie Hazel Doty and Charles Doty.

Survivors include the love of her life, Thomas Tilley; her children, Cynthia Calderon and husband Ralph, Edwina Gail Allen, and Thomas Charone Tilley; her siblings, H.P. Peoples (Hallie) and Rev. James Peoples (Brenda); her grandchildren, Candice, Kristen, Ralph, Naasson, Vania, Elizabeth, Ben, T.J., BreeAnna, Jared; 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends that loved her very much.

A wake will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.