May Fielding Tillman's Obituary
May Ladnier Tillman, born July 10, 1929, passed from this life in her home surrounded in love by her family on January 15, 2015. She was 85 years old. Ms. Tillman worked for the AL. Dept. of Conservation in Bayou La Batre from 1960-67 before beginning her longtime and cherished career with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab from which she retired in 1990. While at the DISL, Ms. Tillman was responsible for the office and registrar’s functions for 21 institutions. In later years, she served as “mother” and in so fed over 100,000 people who at some point passed through the Sea Lab Cafeteria, a building that shall be dedicated in her honor. Ms. Tillman is the author of the cookbook “Tribute” a 300+ page compilation of life and food at the DISL. Her book quickly sold out and is now considered by many the “go-to” resource for Gulf Coast cooking. It is still referenced to this day by chefs and food critics in regional dishes and print articles. Ms. Tillman was preceded in death by her parents Katie and Frank Ladnier, her husband, Martin Edgar (M.E.) Tillman, her son, Brett Tillman and her daughter Shirley Herrington. Ms. Tillman is survived by a loving and devoted daughter, Catherine “Beth” Bryant. Six grandchildren, Katie Seymour (Charlie), Brandi Herrington (Trey), Melissa Bryant, Weston Bryant, Andrew Bryant and Robert Lee Bryant (Angie). Six great-grandchildren, Sarah Johnson, Gavin Seymour, Murphy Zirlott, Brodie Cain, Haleigh Seymour, and Mary-Catherine Bryant; loving son-in-laws Glen Bryant and Wendell Herrington. Special mention to Brittany Ross, whom as with many others Ms. Tillman considered a grandchild. Being the second oldest of 13 children, Ms. Tillman is abundant with family. Loving sisters and brothers, devoted nieces and nephews along with cherished “great’s” and an abundance of cousins and friends who are considered family. A memorial service will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Sunday, January 18, 2015. The family will receive visitors at 1 p.m. with a service beginning at 2 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of May?
What’s a lesson you learned from May?
Share a story where May's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with May you’ll never forget.
How did May make you smile?