Ina Faye (Richardson) Tillman

Ina Faye (Richardson) Tillman

Ina Faye (Richardson) Tillman was born in Wichita, Kansas on June 19, 1942, to the union of Harold E. Richardson Sr. and Odessa (Shaw) Richardson. She was the oldest of six children.  At the age of twelve, she tragically lost her mom and was responsible for caring for her younger siblings Harriet, Harold, and Vickie, until her father remarried. She was known by her nickname Bumpy or Bump.  It was given to her by Uncle Emmit Shaw because as a child, she was always skinning her knees. She carried this name throughout adulthood.

Ina Faye attended Wichita Public Schools and graduated from North High School in 1962. After high school, she aspired to become an attorney and was urged by her father to do so. Yet, on a personal note, she once shared that she desired to be a pharmacist.  She did not realize these dreams, because she prioritized her family. Later, she worked for Guys Potato Company and attended business school at night.  She married her long-time love, Benjamin F. Tillman in 1966. They were married for 57 years. They had one son, Steven Shaun Tillman. 

She attended business college and later entered the workforce. However; Ina chose to quit working in order to raise her son.  She did not want anyone else to raise him.  After Steven became older, she re-entered the workforce and worked for Beechcraft for several years before leaving and going to Boeing Aerospace in the Metal Bonds Department.  She was a hard worker and took pride in her performance. She was well - respected by her peers and managers.  Management wanted her to become a Team Leader, however, Ina did not want the obligation because she enjoyed taking off when she wanted.  She knew Team Leads were expected to be at work all the time. After twenty years of service, she retired from Boeing.

Ina was a God-fearing woman who loved the Lord. She exemplified it by the way she lived. She accepted Christ as her Savior when she was twenty–one years old.  She played the organ and piano for several churches throughout the community such as Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Progressive Baptist Church, New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and a few others.  She epitomized strength, sophistication, and was a role model and a spiritual mother to young men and women. She would often lead them to Christ and encourage them in their spiritual journey. She was an avid reader of the Bible and knew it well. She quoted Scripture effortlessly.  On occasions, she spoke at churches and delivered motivational speeches on spiritual growth.  She was a Prayer Warrior.  If there was an individual in need, she would lock herself in her room and pray until exhaustion.

After retirement, she ran a small, home day care business known as “The Little Rocking Horse Day Care and Learning Program.” She watched children between the ages of two and four. Ina was more than a caretaker. She prepared the children for kindergarten by teaching them reading, writing and math. Many of the children came from single parent households. Ina inspired the mothers not to settle and to do their best. As a result of her guidance, several parents achieved a higher level of education and acquired better jobs.  After ten years, she retired from running a day care.  In addition, Ina was very business minded and successfully managed two rental properties for over thirty years.

 Ina Fae had a wide range of interests. She enjoyed being knowledgeable about various topics. Some of her interests were gardening, sewing, painting, and upholstering furniture. She could grow fruit and vegetables and would research ways to improve the quality of the produce. For an older woman, she was computer savvy and enjoyed reading online. Have you heard of the expression, “handy man”?  Ina was a handy woman. She was mechanically inclined and could repair most items that her husband could not.  If the item required more in-depth repair, she would call her son, Steve, who had inherited her abilities.  She was a fabulous cook and could make almost anything from scratch such as homemade rolls, desserts, chocolate, and even her own wine which people could not get enough of.  She enjoyed helping others and often prepared meals for various households. Another favorite pastime she possessed was talking on the phone.  She could talk for hours, and it did not matter who she spoke to.  If you ran out of words, there was no worry, because she could always keep the conversation going.  Above all, Ina Faye’s number one pride and joy was watching her grandson, Steven Shaun Tillman II grow up and graduate from Southeast High School and achieve his bachelor’s and his master’s from the University of Kansas. He is currently working in Kansas City, Missouri as an accountant.  She and her grandson spoke often and watched college and professional games together.  She even attended some of his basketball games when he played for Coleman Middle School and Southeast, even though she did not attend any of her own son’s games. I am sure many of you can relate how grandchildren come first and can do no wrong.

Ina crossed over to the waiting arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ quietly in her home in Wichita, Kansas, Tuesday, November 19, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Odessa H. (Shaw) Richardson, and Harold E. Richardson; brothers Donald and Earnest Richardson; her sister Harriet (Richardson) Love and her brother Harold E. Richardson Jr.  Both maternal and paternal grandparents are waiting for her heavenly arrival.

She leaves to cherish her memory with her husband Benjamin F. Tillman; son, Steven Shaun Tillman (Kimberly); grandson, Steven Shaun Tillman II; step – grandchildren, Avani and Roberto Dial; her sister, Vickie Richardson – Tandy (Tom); her step – mother, Francis Richardson; her brother, Kevin Richardson (Kim); her aunt, Betty (Shaw) Mariner (James) and a host of other relatives. 

Ina Faye Tillman leaves behind a true legacy of love, service and a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

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