NEWPORT NEWS — Matilda Cleo Pettaway, 69, also known as “Till,” “Tilly,” and “Mama Tilly,” entered into eternal rest Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. It was 6:36 p.m. when the Lord decided to call her home. We now have an angel to protect us in any of life’s circumstances.
Matilda lived her life to the fullest extent and excelled at each and everything she took on. Her education started at Newsome Park Elementary School followed by Pembroke High School. Tilly went on to advance her education at Thomas Nelson Community College, earning a degree in business administration. Tilly’s next chapter would include a 40-year career at Hampton Police Division. She was a pioneer in the field of police training. Her warm smile, genuine personality, and love for her career made the department a part of her family.
Tilly loved the Lord and always made Christianity a part of her life. Her love started early as she learned to play the piano, the organ and sing with praise. The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in Newport News is where she attended in early life. In Tilly’s move to Norfolk, she became a joyful member of Holy Light Church of Deliverance in Portsmouth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brothers.
Tilly leaves to cherish her incredible son, Angelo Reeves; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister, three nieces, two great-nephews, two godsons and a host of family and friends.
As Tilly would say, “I can do all through Christ who strengthens me.”
Viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 24, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 26, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.
Share online condolences with the family at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory.
