Malese Avery Tilley

Malese Avery Tilley, 85, of Morganton went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.  Born in Caldwell County, NC on May 30, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Alphonso Avery and Stella Whisnant Avery.  She was a lifetime member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the WMU.  She was a devoted prayer warrior and loved her church family as her own.

A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Malese is survived by her children, Michael Andrew Tilley and Lisa Tilley Burgess; grandson, Bradley Burgess and wife, Kelsie; brothers, Lloyd and Elmer Avery; sisters, Maxine Jenkins and Geneva Ross; two nieces; eight nephews; and a number of extended family.

In addition to her parents, Malese was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Garland Tilley; brothers, Gary, Larry, Curtis Avery; and a sister, Donnie Avery.

Mrs. Tilley will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 1, 2020 at Burke Memorial Park with Pastor Dean Hart officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Baptist Church Building Fund, 706 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.