Dora Mildred Midkiff Tilley

Mrs. Dora Mildred Midkiff Tilley, 97, of Mount Airy, passed away Monday night, September 4, 2017, at home, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Tilley was born March 5, 1920, in Surry County, the daughter of the late John Henry and Lelia Adams Midkiff of Orchard Street in Mount Airy. She married Reginald Irving “Rex” Tilley, Jr. on May 11, 1941, and they were married for 69 years. Millie was a wonderful wife, mother, and Nana. After Rex served in the United States Navy during World War II, they built a house on Orchard Street and raised three children there. Rex and Millie’s brothers and sisters all lived nearby. Often family would stop by for a visit and have coffee in the kitchen. Millie loved to play bridge with her friends and played in several groups weekly. She took up golf in the 1960s and in 1963 she achieved a first at White Pines Country Club. She shot 2 holes-in-one that year, the first woman at that club to achieve that accomplishment. She was such an active lady. Early in Rex’s retirement, they discovered Lake Tahoe and traveled there many times. At the age of 75, Millie suffered a severe stroke and persevered through all the challenges of living with a stroke for another 22 years. Mentally sharp, she learned computer skills at the age of 90. She enjoyed the competition of online bridge and Scrabble. Her favorite computer use was visiting with her twin 3 year old great grandchildren on FaceTime. She loved to play games with family and friends. There was always a game going on at the kitchen table. Her survivors are her children, Reg Tilley (Sandy Franey) of Bellevue, WA, Les Tilley (Ann) of Sherrills Ford, and Kay Gunter (Barrett) of Durham; her grandchildren, Chip Tilley (Sorásmey Brillante), Jonathon Tilley, Angela Tilley, Chad Tilley, Margaret Tilley, Diana Tilley, Katie Gunter (Saleem Penny), and Ben Gunter; and her great-grandchildren, Kalyana Tilley, Natasha Tilley, Leslie Golding, August Penny, and Elsie Penny. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Tilley was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Mebane Midkiff Hallman and Georgia Midkiff France. The family is forever appreciative and grateful for the many caregivers that allowed Millie to live such a meaningful life in her own home. Millie requested no visitation or service at her death. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Canine Companions for Independence, 8150 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL 32818; or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.