James Alfred Tiller

James Alfred Tiller, 78, of Middletown, Delaware, suddenly passed away on February 21, 2021. Alfred was born July 24, 1942 in Chestertown, Maryland, to Howard and Geraldine (Brown) Tiller of Big Woods Road. Alfred graduated from Henry Highland Garnet School in Chestertown, Maryland. After graduation, he worked at Vita Foods and Campbell Soup, for several years as a line worker. Eventually, Alfred went to work with his father, learning the trade of masonry. He later joined Union Local 99 and spent his career as a brick layer. Unfortunately, Alfred retired from the workforce early, due to medical conditions, but that did not dampen his spirit and sense of humor. He continued to enjoy his life. Finding love in 1972, he and Edith Henry became life partners. Their love thrived for 48 years. In his lifetime, Alfred also accepted the Lord into his life and was a faithful member of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Middletown, Delaware. He loved going to church and could not wait for Cheryl to pick him up. Known for being affectionate towards others in the local community, he picked up some family-oriented nicknames like Pops, Pop-Pop, and Tiller. Because he loved getting the 4-1-1, Alfred would enjoy sitting on the porch, people watching and shooting the breeze with others. Alfred liked sports, but he loved football. The Washington Redskins was his favorite team. However, his happiness didn't just stem from his affection for football. His primary source of having fun was eating good food and laughing at family gatherings. Every opportunity to see all the younger offspring truly warmed his heart. When family visited, notably his son, Marchaund, and his brother, Howard, it genuinely made his day. Alfred is survived by his life-long companion, Edith Henry (Middletown, DE); four sons, Marchaund & Shelia (Purnell) Tiller (Elkton, MD), Kerry & Phyllis (Sisco) Henry (Newark, DE), James Steven Tiller (Marietta, GA) and Parish & Barbie (Young) Henry (Bear, DE); two sisters, Amy Wilson (Worton, MD) & Gloria Needam (Chestertown, MD); aunt, Lola Taylor (Chestertown, MD); uncle, Samuel Tiller (Mt. Holly, NJ); nine grandchildren, Marchaund Tiller Jr., Marchaunda Tiller, Gary Smith Jr., Kennedy Tiller, Jordan Tiller, Tommara Bias, Tanisha Bias, Kara Henry Alexis and Alex Henry ; eight great-grandchildren, Alaysia Tiller, Xena Tiller, Joshua Labranche, Skye Queen, Bryson Queen, Marley Labranche, Jaceiona Johnson and Brayven Robinson; a devoted caregiver, Kevin Wright; special friends, Sam Hopkins, Cheryl Cale and Rick Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Howard Tiller, Jr.

James Alfred Tiller

July 24, 1942 - February 21, 2021