Janis Michelle Adkins Tillery – Cumming, Ga.
Janis Michelle Adkins Tillery, 63, passed away in peace and comfort with her husband by her side on July 31, 2019, at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care in Cumming, Ga., after a long battle with Dementia. Janis was born Jan. 22, 1956, at Monongahela Hospital located in New Eagle, to Maxine and Paul Adkins. According to her mother, she began singing before she could walk. She had a true gift and love for music. She is a 1973 graduate of Ringgold High School in Monongahela and attended New England Conservatory of Music to pursue a degree in opera. She made her European operatic debut at just 17 years old before realizing a career in accounting, and a life lived for her family was her calling. Most significantly, she fell deeply in love with her childhood friend and soulmate, David Tillery. Their 41-year marriage resulted in two children and two grandchildren. Janis supported David’s successful banking career that brought them to Strongsville, Ohio, Lexington, Ky., Arlington, Texas, Portland, Ore., Scottsdale, Ariz., Fairfax, Va., and Atlanta, Ga. Among their many loves, David and Janis shared a passion for the water and became avid boaters at National Harbor in Maryland and Lake Lanier Islands in Georgia. While a devoted wife, mother and grandmother “Nana,” Janis made time to pursue her love of music, travel and entertain friends and family. Her time with the Sine Nomine Choral Ensemble in Lexington illustrates that merging of passions best. She is survived by her husband, best friend and soulmate, David; son, David Tillery ll (wife Maliya) of Springfield, Va.; daughter, Erica of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Sydni and Jet; parents, Paul and Maxine Adkins of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and siblings, Paul (wife Mary) and Krystle of Philadelphia and Autumn Adkins Graves (husband Vann) of Chattanooga, Tenn. She is survived by nieces, nephews and a host of friends and loved ones. David extends special gratitude to Leisa Thomas and Tara Khan, who helped provide Janis excellent and loving care during her illness. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Monongahela. Her funeral service will be held following the viewing at 1 p.m. She will be buried at Mon Valley Memorial Park Cemetery. A repast at the church will follow the burial service. Arrangements of Care HOUSE OF LAW INC., www.houseoflawinc.com. To honor Janis’ life and her long battle with Dementia, donations on her behalf are welcome to be sent to Dementia Society of America. Donations can be made online at www.dementiasociety.org, or via mail to Dementia Society of America P.O. Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901.
