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As the Angelic Host rejoices with the arrival of another anointed woman of God, those who remain to endure have heavy hearts and indescribable sadness as a result of this tremendous loss. Virginia Simmons Tillett gently laid her head in the Master’s arms and went to sleep in Paradise on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

Precious moments have been set aside to spend intimate time while reflecting on fonder memories. Services to celebrate the life and legacy of this virtuous woman of God will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 12 noon in the sanctuary of Manteo First Assembly in Manteo, NC with Pastor Brian Lee Taylor officiating. Following the formalities in the sanctuary, Mrs. Tillett’s delicate temple along with her adored family, will be escorted to Haven Creek Baptist Church Cemetery for Interment Rites.

Although her heartbroken family will have to depart, leaving her earthen vessel in this designated place, all that knew Mrs. Tillett can rest knowing that she is now a part of the glorious number that John The Revelator spoke of in the final book in the Bible. John said he looked and saw a Great number, that no man could number and The Lord informed him, that those were the saints that had come up through hard trials and tribulations and had washed their Robes in the blood of the Lamb.

Virginia joined Haven Creek Missionary Baptist Church and remained a member until her death. She also served as Deaconess there until her health began to decline.

Virginia’s community involvement was the Dare County Board of Education where she served as both Chair and Vice Chair during her 20 years, Roanoke Island Head Start, Assistant Dean and Coordinator of Continuing Education of The College of The Albemarle, Dare County Board of Commissioners, Roanoke Island Freedman Colony, and Elizabeth City State University Board of Trustees. One of her proudest accomplishments to the community was the completion of the Dare County Community Center located on Roanoke Island.

Virginia received numerous recognitions, but these were the ones she held dear to her heart:

• 2006, she was honored by the Governor of North Carolina with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
• 2006, Citizen of the Year from the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.
• June 2015, Dare County Outstanding Citizen of the year.
• June 2015, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year.
• 2021, North Carolina Black Alliance Trailblazer Award recipient for her “dedication to community and servant leadership over the years.”

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband William “Snooks” Tillett and brother William Seward Simmons Jr., sister Pecola Strayhorn, sister Vera Basnight, nephew Vernon Carver, nephew Adrian Taylor and nephew Joseph Artis Jr.

Left to cherish Virginia’s memory are her beloved children Johnny Tillett, Michael Tillett and Brenda Wynn; grandchildren Dominique Pledger, Maya Tillett, Kyshia Wynn and Moja Sunderland (William); sisters Minnie Trovene Artis (Joseph) and Geneva Taylor (Frazier); brother Eddie Lee Simmons Sr.(Sally); sister in-law Martha Reid (Harvey); nieces and nephews Joretta Walton (Donald), Michele Logan (Carl), Brian Taylor (Chavonne), Jason Taylor (Samantha), Jennifer Taylor-Monteagudo Mora (Hans); Carla Austin (Dwayne), Deon Lee Simmons (Chrissy), DeShawn Banks and Eddie Lee Simmons Jr; Calvin Carver (Rhonda), Kenny Carver, Rosa Carver, Anthony Carver, and James Cooper Jr; Peter Reid, Genevieve Reid, Taurus Reid; her best girlfriends Emma Berry, Beulah Ashby, and Sarah Banks; and a host of extended family and friends.

Guests are being received at the residence of the deceased located at 809 Fernando Street Manteo, North Carolina 27954 where they will also assemble in preparation for the Prestigious Horton Ebony Motorcade.

** Due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic all proper safety protocols will be strictly enforced. Masks are required. **

The professionals at Horton’s Funeral Home and Cremations are accommodating each request and personal desire of the Tillett and connected families.

READ MORE OBITUARIES HERE.