Mary Anareeca Tillman

Mary Annareeca Tillman, 91, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1935, to Herman Allen McDonald and Annabell McDonald.

Mary graduated from Van Alstyne High School and went on to earn her degree from North Texas University. She dedicated many years of service as the secretary to the General Manager of GTE, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 1998.

Mary had a creative and gentle spirit. She loved painting—especially with watercolors—and enjoyed drawing in her spare time. She took great pride and joy in caring for her houseplants, which reflected her nurturing nature. Most of all, Mary cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless happiness.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Wilson; her son, Patric Smith Tillman III, lovingly known as “Pete”; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Scott, Chrissy, Reeca, and Ricky; her great-grandchildren, Alexis, Sophia, Preston, Parker, Ayden, Lane, and Lawson; and her sister, Joetta Shoulders; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sandra Sons; and her brother, William Allen McDonald.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at White Mound Cemetery in Sherman, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to her favorite charities, Shriners Hospitals for Children, MD Anderson Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.