Carol Jean Tilley

Carol Jean Tilley (Clarkson), age 87, gently passed in the comfort of her Albuquerque home of 64 years on March 5, 2018.

The eldest of two children, Carol was born on May, 31, 1930, on her family’s farm in Garfield County, Oklahoma, to Jesse James and Crystal (Boan) Clarkson. Her father earned a living building homes, occasionally requiring the family to relocate wherever work was needed. This was not uncommon for Depression-Era American families and in 1945 that work brought the family to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She attended the original Albuquerque High School which, at the time, was located at Central and Broadway;   a location now protected by the City as a historical landmark.
In 1947 the family moved back to Oklahoma and, in 1949, Carol graduated from Enid High School in Enid, Oklahoma. After graduation Carol worked as a telephone operator and sales person for Spouse-Reitz five-and–dime stores.  

In the 1951, at an Albuquerque roller skating rink, Carol met U.S.A.F airman Hubert “Herb” Allison Tilley. The pair were wed in May of 1952 and welcomed their daughter, Lucinda (Cindy), in August 1953. A son Gary, followed in June of 1955.

As an air force wife, Carol called several places home. Between 1960 and 1969, Carol and her family resided in France, Florida, New Mexico and Louisiana. It was during her time in France that she became a troop leader for the Girl Scouts and had the Opportunity to travel to Austria and Swiss Alps. A harrowing trip that left the troop leaders stranded by a massive snowstorm. Upon Herb’s retirement from the Air Force in 1969, the family permanently relocated back to Albuquerque and into the home she would remain in for the rest of her life. 

Carol had many, many… many talents. Painting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and canning were just a few. In her youth    she helped her father breed and train racehorses. She even dabbled in carpentry, using knowledge imparted by her father, by building additions onto the family home in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Perhaps above all else, however, Carol was best known for her cooking. No one ever left Carol’s house hungry, she would not allow it. While stationed overseas, Carol often cooked and provided meals for the airmen on base. Once back in Albuquerque, she continued to provide friendship and meals to players of the Albuquerque Chaparrals hockey team. Her family would often jest that Carol only knew how to “feed an Army” as she always provided an over-abundance of food. Her baking skills earned her accolades from the New Mexico State Fair on more than one occasion. Among the 50+ ribbons overall, Carol won 4 Best in Show for her German Chocolate and Fruit cakes. Her home was the place of countless birthday parties, baby and bridal showers, and holiday gatherings. Carol was truly, the “hostess with the mostess” From jelly made fresh from her backyard grapes to her widely loved fried chicken and her roast beast, Carol certainly left a legacy of full and happy bellies.

She was a committed sports fan, as well. She avidly followed NASCAR and Indy Car, the Kentucky Derby, the Dallas Cowboys and, of course, her beloved University of Oklahoma Sooners. She enjoyed bowling and, in her younger years, was in a local league. She frequently played card games with friends and family.  She also loved the outdoors and cherished camping, hunting and fishing. Catfish was her favorite.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Granddaughter-in –law, Kristie Shreve- Tilley, and Great Grandson, Lucas Tilley.

She is survived by her husband, Hubert Tilley, daughter Cindy Sickenger (Wayne) of Tooele, Utah and son Gary (Mary) of Albuquerque; granddaughter Jessica Stapleton (Billy) of La Center, Washington; grandsons Gary and Jesse Tilley of Albuquerque; great-grand sons; Jackson and Ryan Stapleton; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who she revered as family; and her sister Betty (Clarkson) Franklin.

The family wishes to extend sincerest gratitude to the following individuals who provided care and support as Carol’s health declined: Dorinda Sickenger, Evalyn Back, Janice Roepke, Debbie Jacoby, Judy Mackey and Donna “Dee Dee” Jones, We would also like to acknowledge and thank the teams of Presbyterian Home Care and Legacy Hospice.

Carol humbly believed there was nothing spectacular or noteworthy about her life. Those who knew and loved her would fervently disagree.  A Celebration of her Life will take place on Saturday March 10, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at American Legion Post 49 (11007 Central Ave).  Please do not send flowers to  AMERICAN LEGION POST 49. CONTACT DANIELS  FOR FLOWERS TO BE DELIVERED TO THE FAMILY, AT 505-821-0010. THANK YOU

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the US Olympics.

Daniels Family Funeral Services

7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109