Hannah Joy Till's Obituary
Hannah Joy Till passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on November 23, 2019. Her Heavenly Father was waiting for her with open arms.Hannah was born in Haleyville, Alabama on April 25, 1929. Her father left the family prior to her birth. With God’s help, her mother, Irene Curtis raised Hannah and her older sister, Doris. Hannah surrendered her life to Christ in her early teenage years. From that moment on, she lived a life of fruitful service that is still reaping beautiful benefits in other’s lives today.Hannah graduated from Louisiana College with a degree in Psychology, and was a gifted vocalist and pianist. She was given the award of “Campus Sweetheart”,and her beauty and kindness won her the nickname, “Candy Curtis”. It was there at Louisiana College where she met and fell in love with Lee Roy Till. They married on January 29, 1949, and this year celebrated 70 years of marriage.Hannah and Lee Roy were called to First Baptist Church, Dallas in September of 1959. They previously served churches in Ft. Worth and First Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. Hannah organized the Children’s Graded Choir Program which involved 21 choirs for children ages 3 through 13. She was also a faithful member of the Sanctuary Choir, Chapel Choir Sponsor, and accompanist for various Sunday School classes. Hannah and Lee Roy were guest soloists for several Southern Baptist Conventions. Her dramatic portrayal of Mary in Handel’s “Messiah” and Dubois’ “The Seven Last Words of Christ” was truly anointed by God and blessed all who witnessed it.When Lee Roy suffered a stroke in 1972, at the age of 44, their active ministry at First Baptist Church came to a sudden and abrupt halt. For the next 40 years, Hannah devoted herself to the compassionate, unceasing care of the love of her life, Lee Roy. This was a profound testimony to her unswerving trust in the Sovereignty of God. In 2015, Hannah suffered a massive stroke. She continued to prove her obedience to trust God in sunshine and shadow. One of her favorite sayings was “Yesterday He helped me, Today He did the same, How long will this continue? Forever, praise His Name!”Hannah was a “Titus 2” woman. Her life became a ministry of encouragement to women in their roles as wives and mothers. Her loving name, “Mammy”, was embraced not only by her grandchildren, but also by everyone whose life has been touched by her love, wisdom and prayers.In these past four years, her main caregiver, Chiku Kalemera, witnessed numerous accounts of Hospice nurses, therapists, and doctors being blessed by Hannah. She offered smiles, hugs, and even kissed the hands of those who served her. What a testimony of a life stripped of health that still glorified her Savior! The Lord surely greeted her with these words, “Well done, thou GOOD and FAITHFUL servant!”Hannah is preceded in death by her mother, Irene Long Curtis and her sister, Doris Little. She is survived by her loving husband, Lee Roy Till; her children, Hannah Beth Jones, Jenni Rasberry and husband, Bob Rasberry, Robert Till and wife, Paula Till; her grandchildren, Paul Michael Vacca and wife, Katie, Brandon Jones and wife, Lisa, Sarah Beth Morris and husband, Matt Morris, Christin Lander and husband, Clint, John Robert Rasberry and wife, Celena and Justin Till; her great grandchildren, Lillian Morris, Hannah Joy Morris, Blakely Jones, Emry Jones, Bailey Vacca, Nathan Vacca, William Vacca, Katelyn Vacca, Harvey Lander and Ella Rasberry; her niece, June Jones and husband, Horace; her great nephews, Jeff Jones and wife Kristina, Jon Jones and wife, Jennifer.We are indebted to Hannah’s marvelous caregivers; Chikumbutso Kalemera, Kimi McCorvey, Trevor Ngosi, Jennifer Muchesa, and Vida Gyan. We are also grateful for Faith Presbyterian Hospice and Hannah’s nurse, Kimberly Hetchler.Hannah Till’s Memorial Celebration will be held 2pm on Saturday, December 14 at the Historic Sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Dallas.In lieu of flowers, you may honor Hannah Till by donating to the church that she loved and served, First Baptist Church of Dallas 1707 San Jacinto, Dallas, Texas 75201.
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