Virginia Tillman-Bailey

Virginia Tillman-Bailey, Age 82, of Grand Rapids

Our precious mother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.  Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, resilience, and laughter. Born on April 16, 1943 in Holmes, Mississippi.  She was a devoted Christian and a loving mother to her children, Mable Nickerson, Levi Tillman, Annette Hayes, Roosevelt Tillman, Blanche Avant, Lisa Tillman, Anissa Payton, Nicole Tillman, Marshanell Dolleman, Delaware Tillman, Brandon Tillman, Wendy Tillman, Cortney Tillman, TJ Bailey and Natalie Bailey.  She will be remembered for her kind and giving spirit, her unwavering strength, and the way she inspired everyone she met.  And her strong entrepreneur drive for success.  She was an avid gardener. Her legacy of love will live on through her children and grandchildren, who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius; parents, SD Davis and Annabell Love; children, Helen, Brandon and Roosevelt; brothers, Slyvester and Waire; sisters, Octavia, Easter and Amanda; granddaughter, Latrese”Monique”.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children. 

A service celebrating and honoring her life will be held 11 am Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating.  Entombment will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 3-6 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood.  A family hour will be held at church from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Resolute Adult Living Facility and Hospice of Michigan.