Celebrating the life of
Katherine Helen Wellbrock Tillman
April 10, 1941 - March 15, 2026
Katherine Helen Wellbrock Tillman died March 15, 2026, after a short illness. She was born on April 10, 1941 (Holy Thursday), at Telfair Hospital, to John Frederick Wellbrock, Jr. and Dorothy Helen Precht Wellbrock. John’s father and the Prechts emigrated from Germany.
Katherine was baptized and confirmed at Lutheran Church of the Ascension, and attended worship, Sunday school, and youth activities there. During her life at Ascension, Katherine chaired many committees, sang in the adult choir for about 50 years, served on the congregation council, with two terms as president, and acted as the church’s archivist in recent years. When she was president, she led the church in the purchase of the adjacent property on State Street, allowing the congregation to expand programs for members and the community. Katherine was active in the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA), and served several offices, among them as president of the church’s unit of WELCA. She also served two terms on the board of the Southeastern Synod, WELCA. She was always eager to plan and prepare food for meetings of the congregation and for members during times of illness and bereavement. In 2021 she was named Ascension’s first Bold Woman of Faith by the church’s WELCA. In 2025, the church council named the church’s archives in her honor.
Katherine attended public schools in Savannah and met the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Joe Tillman, Jr. during their years at Savannah High School. She attended Armstrong Junior College, when it was downtown, then went to Georgia Southern, where she graduated with a BS in elementary education. After graduation, Katherine started her teaching career which spanned more than 30 years. She taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th, grades with 4th being her favorite. She especially loved teaching social studies and science, bringing stories and places to life for her students, whether an in-depth study of Charlotte’s Web or a Japanese style lunch with full costumes. While teaching at Heard Elementary, she was selected Teacher of the Year for the school. Katherine was invited to join the Alpha Gamma chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa International teacher’s organization. She was very active in the chapter, and served as treasurer, historian, and president.
A lifelong Savannahian, she loved sharing the city with friends and newcomers. After retiring from her teaching career, she blended her love for Savannah and teaching and became a tour guide for Convention Consultants, guiding visitors through historic Savannah. She worked at Massie School teaching in the heritage classroom and sharing Savannah’s history with the school children in the area. She was a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, where she enjoyed helping many families during their stays.
Being near the rivers and creeks of Savannah was one of her favorite things – tromping in the mud with her cousins as children, crabbing and shrimping, riding in the boat with friends and family. She was known for some of her family’s best recipes – red rice, German potato salad, pineapple upside down cake, and dressing – and with Joe, loved hosting a low country boil or oyster roast.
Katherine and Joe were blessed to travel to many places during their life together. She loved visiting national parks and historic sites and had special memories of their trips to Alaska and Germany. She enjoyed golf and watched the Braves every night.
She loved family. Katherine grew up at the German Country Club with her parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and was the host for holiday meals for many years. One of her true joys was being a grandmother. She loved taking trips with Max and Katie, hearing about their activities, and made it a priority to be there for important moments.
Katherine is survived by her husband Joe, daughter Julia Tillman and son-in-law Leo Breton, daughter Lisa Tillman, grandchildren Max Breton and Katie Breton; cousins Billy Ray, Sally Ray Murphy and Kathleen Brewin Lewis and their families; sister- and brother-in-law Joan Tillman Mulligan and Gus Mulligan, nephews Mike Mulligan and Matt Muliigan, niece Becky Nail Ralls and their families; and many dear friends.
A Memorial Service will be at 11:00a.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at Lutheran Church of Acension. Burial will follow at 2:00p.m. at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Her family is grateful to the teams at Savannah Square and Hospice Savannah and the congregation at Lutheran Church of the Ascension for their friendship, care, and support.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Lutheran Church of the Ascension or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Joe and girls, I was so sad to hear about Katherine. I just sent her a card and was planning to visit her this week. She was a dear friend from May Howard. We worked together on a third grade team. I use to call her our rock. She was always so calm and had words of wisdom. She will be missed. Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. LeAnne Consos
- LeAnne Consos, Savannah, GA
I was so sorry to hear of Tatoo's passing. As one of Kathleen's oldest friends from Savannah, she was always Tatoo to me. She had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed. Send love and hugs.
- Mary Lynn Zirkle, Atlanta, Ga
I worked with Katherine for several years setting up Savannah Navy League monthly dinners. She was always gracious and a true supporter of US Sea Services and youth programs. We will all miss a wonderful lady.
- O. C. Fowler , Savannah , Georgia
Katherine's passing leaves a huge hole in my heart and my life. She loved to cook for her family and be with her family. We were lucky to have her.
- Kathleen Lewis, Atlanta, GA
I was fortunate to know Katherine from many years ago at the Lutheran School. She was so friendly and had a great sense of humor. She was an excellent teacher!
- Susan Bunger , Savannah, GA
I was the music teacher at St Paul's for a few years in the 1980's and thoroughly enjoyed working with Mrs Tillman. She loved her students and believed in teaching them to be the best they could be. Sending prayers that the family and all who love her will feel God's comfort during this time and in the days ahead.
- Carmella Leak , Savannah , GA
Tillman family, I am so very sorry for your loss. She truly was as an exceptional lady and teacher. I had her for 4th grade at St. Paul's in the 80's. It was one of my favorite years in elementary school. Prayers for God's peace for you all.
- Connie Hamilton Helton , Woodstock , GA
I enjoyed your Mom every time she came up and your Dad always tells me to look out for you, Lisa
- Ronnie Holt & Family , Atlanta , Ga
I enjoyed your Mom every time she came up and your Dad always tells me to look out for you, Lisa
- Ronnie Holt & Family , Atlanta , Ga
I enjoyed your Mom every time she came up and your Dad always tells me to look out for you, Lisa
- Ronnie Holt & Family , Atlanta , Ga
I've given much thought about the loss of Katherine and to the lives of children she touched when she taught them to read. At that time the education pendulum supported the phonics method and children were fortunate to have Katherine to mentor them to learn to read and to read to learn. It was evident that she loved her profession and was devoted to the children. This is evident in the number of years she gave to the classroom and to endeavors to educate others about the history of Savannah. Another friend reminded me of Katherine's hearty laugh. It certainly did light up a room or a faculty meeting! Fly high, Katherine. You've earned your wings. CMB
- Cheryl Bolton, Savannah, Georgia
Katherine was a colleague of mine at May Howard where she shared her creativity and calm demeanor. We were friends, running into each other frequently on the island when she would shared news of her family. She was delightful and I will miss her.
- Paula Walker, Tybee Island, Ga
So sorry to learn of Catherine's passing. Joe Newman
- Joseph Newman, Savannah, GA
Joe, Raymond and I are heartbroken for you and the girls. Katherine was a dear friend for over fifty years and she will be missed by so many. She brought joy to those around her with that sweet smile and contagious laugh. Sending prayers for you and your family. Boo Padgett
- Boo and Raymond Padgett, Savannah, GA
I only met Katherine several times but knew we were kindred spirits because we were teachers, tour guides, worked at the church and cooked family recipes and had beautiful daughters. She had a great sense of humor with that laugh and smile. Blessings and love to her family.
- Elaine Cairns, Strongsville, Ohio
Katherine was such a wonderful woman. I always enjoyed conversations with her and Joe at Navy League functions. A truly special lady. Many thoughts and condolences to the Tillman family.
- Karen Angers, Savannah, GA
Deepest sympathy on the death of Katherine. She was my classmate at Armstrong.
- Marie Green Bryant, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 am on Fri, March 20, 2026
- Lutheran Church of the Ascension
-
120 Bull Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-232-4151
- Burial
- 2:00p.m. on Fri, March 20, 2026
- Bonaventure Cemetery
-
330 Bonaventure Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843
