Lois Marie Tillman Rockhold's Obituary
“Anything is possible.” That is what Lois Marie Tillman Rockhold believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Lois thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Lois was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do. Her parents were Horace and Euleen Tillman. Lois was raised in Tillman's Corner. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Lois could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability. This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Lois's family relationships. Lois was raised with six. She had two younger brothers, Douglas "Red", Albert "Sonny", and four younger sisters, Esther Ruth "Boopie", Lucy, Linda Faye and Nina Jean. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Lois was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work. As a young girl, Lois could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. She helped farm with her father. Lois' memorable achievements included cooking for her siblings. Endowed with an appetite for knowing how her world worked, Lois enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Lois was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Lois was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around her. Always interested in her friends’ activities and interests, Lois was uncritical of her acquaintances. She was sought after by people who recognized that she was generous with her time and energy, and these same friends found Lois to be very stimulating company. Lois's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around her. Later in life, she became friends with Aunt Billie, Trudy and Della. Lois was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Lois was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Lois was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to her spouse’s needs. She was a vibrant personality and she enjoyed verbally sparring with Bobby. In fact, those who knew her often remarked that Lois loved to argue for argument’s sake. She was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Bobby's. Lois's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced her relationship with her children. She would create original, clever and fun games for her kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Lois was blessed with two sons, Joel and Gary. They were also blessed with seven, Joey, Joy, Chris, Andy, Jeffrey, Jeremy and Jamie. Someone who was quick to laugh, Lois found it easy to spend lots of time with her children, but she was never overbearing or guilty of pushing herself on them. As a born inventor, Lois was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Lois was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Lois was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. Her primary occupation was Serenity Funeral Home. She was employed for Serenity Funeral Home and House of Representatives. Lois always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done. Lois's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for her. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Lois was always searching for new and unusual activities, she developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things she became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew her, but most friends and family understood that Lois simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. Her favorite pursuits were country music and fishing. Lois's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Lois could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Throughout her later years, Lois was an active member of the Tillman's Corner Chamber of Commerce. Lois was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. Her keen interest and strong values led her to become active in her community. Serving on committees for the Tillman's Corner Chamber of Commerce. Politically, Lois was served as Representive for District 104. Faith and religion were important to Lois. She was a member Calvary Assembly of God. With all of her talents, her ingenuity, her solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Lois received public recognition for her competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Lois accumulated a long list of achievements throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Tillman's Corner Chamber of Commerce President and Citizen of the year. Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Lois. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Lois to expand her ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included cruise to Bahamas. Even while in retirement, Lois never stopped exercising her inventive talents, and this new phase of her life provided new opportunities for stimulating her interests. In retirement, she found new pleasure in church and local politics. Even in retirement, Lois continued to stay in touch with her old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled. Lois passed away on February 2, 2017 at Grand Bay Convalescent Home with dementia. She is survived by her children, Joel and Gary; and grandchildren. Services were held at Serenity Funeral Home. Lois was laid to rest in Mobile Memorial Gardens. During her lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Lois. She met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Lois was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around her could not. For Lois, the traditional way of doing things fell short of her expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Lois Marie Tillman Rockhold, the fun of living her life could be found in the challenge.
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