Obituary: Cookie Tilghman
Kinston - Mary Jane Jones Tilghman “Cookie”, 76, finished her course and was received into the presence of her Lord on Friday, April 14, 2023 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Cookie was born in Beaufort County on January 5, 1947 to the late Guy and Vera Lee Jones.
With a strong work ethic, Cookie could work circles around most people. Caring for her family was a great joy. They looked forward to a hot meal on the table every time they sat down, and they were assured that their home would be well-kept. Her yard and flowers were equally pristine, as she spent many hours making sure everything was immaculate.
A member of Gateway Free Will Baptist Church in Hugo, Cookie worshipped her Lord faithfully as long as she was able while the church was still active. In later years, she continued to participate in worship through online services at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church in Kinston.
If you saw Cookie out and about, she was sure to be looking her best. Hair perfectly in place and makeup just right, her sense of fashion was highlighted by the outfits she selected and the jewelry that complimented them. She loved to shop for the next greatest deal, as was evidenced by her vast collection of dolls, clothing, and shoes.
Spending time with her family was her ultimate delight. For nearly 53 years, she walked hand in hand with her husband, Pete. She was vested in her children’s lives and thought of their spouses like her very own children. When grandchildren came along, her capacity to love grew larger with each new addition. Through her grandchildren, she acquired a love for Little League Baseball. Traveling all over from New York and Virginia to Charlotte and Raleigh, she was determined to make every game that her grandson played.
Anyone who spent time with Cookie knew they were in for a lot of fun. If she was in your presence, there would never be a dull moment. Though her stamina and spirit were tested through sickness in 2010, she fought long and hard to enjoy the many blessings of life for as long as she could.
A service of love and remembrance will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange with Pastor Chris Truett officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation following the service. A private committal will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Cookie is survived by her devoted husband, Roland “Pete” Tilghman, Jr.; son, Gary Lee Tilghman and wife, Janette; daughter, Kim Tilghman Moore and husband, Michael; grandchildren, Garrett Moore and wife Brianna, Brandon Moore and fiancée, Savannah Hill, Kayla Moore Outlaw and husband, Mitchell, Melody Moore, Joseph Tilghman, and Benjamin Tilghman; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Moore, Stella Moore, and Maxson Outlaw, sister, Joyce Jackson; brother, Guy A. Jones, Jr.; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, and beloved pet dogs, Holly and Buddy.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Glennon Jones; sisters, Mini Pearl Byrd and Sadie Wells.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, 1936 Banks School Road, Kinston, NC 28504; or Immanuel Baptist Church, 712 Airport Rd, Kinston, NC 28504. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
