Nana Tilford was born October 22, 1933, In Kansas City, KS, to Jose and Mabel (Saunders) Gaitan. To their union were born Hortensia, Donnyel, Fernando, Lolita, Natalia, Consuela, Boyd, Nana, Joela, Donnell and Benton. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1952 and attended a local Junior College. Nana married her husband, Harry L. Tilford, Jr. on September 10, 1955 who preceded her in death on October 20, 2011. To this union five children were born. In her early years, she was a stay at home mom. During this time she served as a babysitter for both family and friends. In her later years, she worked as a Nursing Assistant at Swope Ridge Nursing Home, George H. Nettleton Nursing Home, Kansas University Medical Center, and Menorah Medical Center. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age while attending Third Street Church of God. In her later years, she attended the Kingdom Hall near her home. Nana's interests involved spending time with her family. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, playing dominos, cards, and board games. She was adamantly known for her delicious fudge recipe. She was a loving, sweet, and generous person who had a remarkable sense of humor. Nana died peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at the Clinton Care and Rehabilitation Center in Plattsburg, Missouri. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Jose and Mabel Gaitan; sisters Hortensia, Counsuela, and Joela; and brothers Donnyel, Boyd, Donnell, and Benton. Cherishing her memory are her devoted children: Yolonda R. Tilford of Suwanee, GA; sons Harry Tilford III (Jonnisu) of Knoxville, TN; Timothy L. Tilford (Tammy) of Wichita, KS; Eric A. Tilford Sr. (Jackie)of Plattsburg, MO; Mark A. Tilford (Jestine) of Blue Springs, MO; sisters Lolita Gaitan of Kansas City, KS; Natalia Adams of Chester, NY; brother Fernando Gaitan of Lee's Summit, MO. Also, cherishing her memory are 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, in-laws, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held 12:15pm Saturday, June 8 at New Seasons Christian Church 1907 N 3rd St. Kansas City, KS. Visitation from 10-12 at the church. Burial Longview Memorial Gardens. (Arr. Newcomer's Longview Funeral Home 12700 S. Raytown Rd. KC, Mo. 816-761-6272)

Published in Kansas City Star on June 5, 2013