Izar B. Tilson Sr.

Izar B. Tilson Sr

July 4,1914 ~ January 5, 2023 (age108)

Mr. Izar Tilson of Rockford, departed this earthly life on January 5, 2023 after a short illness he was born in Forest City, Arkansas on July 4,1914 to James A Garfield and Victoria (Gates) Tilson. He attended School in Arkansas and worked the cotton fields till age 24. He later moved in 1963 to Rockford, IL as a young man with his family and worked various jobs on the side as a handy man (carpentry) while working at Atwood Mobile Products, after more than 27 years of loyal service he retired.

He was united in holy matrimony to Fannie (Coburn) Tilson on December 23,1935 and she married him at the age of 16. The union was blessed with 15 children with one set of twin girls and both him and his wife’s birthdays were on July 4th

Fannie proceeded him in death on September 23, 2000  

He was a stern, proud, caring Father, Grandfather who will be remembered for his mentoring, straight forward dispensing of knowledge and down to earth conversations. He wanted us to be strong willed, take nothing for granted and be independent, most of all.

Izar B Tilson Sr is the last member of his family’s generation era. He and one of his brothers both lived over the age of 103

He leaves to cherish his memories are his children; Sons; Robert J Tilson of Marion, AR; Joseph Tilson of Rockford, IL; and Paul Tilson of Gary IN; daughters; Gean Rushton; Ethel Royal; Pearl (Michael) Simon; Gerline (Carl) Norris; and Mary Beal all of Rockford, IL; Dorothy (Lester) Livingston of Chicago, IL; and three generations of grandchildren’s.

Izar is predeceased by his mother Victoria (Gates) Tilson; father James A Garfield Tilson; and brothers; Wilbur Tilson; Robert (Bus) Tilson Sr; Sisters Prince Anna Butler; Lottie Tilson; Mrs. Willie (Ethel) Price, and Mrs. Omega McGree; Sons; Sir Roy Tilson, Sr and James Steve Tilson, Sr; Izer Tilson Jr; and daughters; Earline (Tilson) Woods; Ernestine (Tilson) Horton; Victoria (Tilson) Dupree Lindsey.

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