Mary E. Tillman Self was born October 7, 1942, and made her transition from this life on December 24, 2025, at her home in Newport News, VA. Mary was born the third of five children and the second of four girls to the late William Norfleet and Ollie Huntley Tillman, in Wadesboro, NC.
She was generous, funny, and engaging with everyone she met, always willing to help someone in need. She accepted Christ early in her formative years, was baptized, and became a member of East Rock Ford Baptist Church. She later became a faithful and dedicated member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church, where she generously gave her time serving as President of the Senior Choir, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and working on various church committees. She also sang with the Amazing Grace Singers, who were frequently featured on WAVY-TV 10’s gospel program, Spread a Little Sunshine. Continuing to express her creativity, she decorated bulletin boards for her church home and was always ready to serve in any role when called upon.
Mary graduated from Shaw University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She received a Master of Arts Degree from Virginia State University in Special Education. Her career path led her to Virginia, where she taught in Surry County, Dinwiddie County, and Newport News. In 1977, she taught at the Department of Defense Tehran American School. After 42 years of dedication to excellence in the classroom, Mary retired from the Newport News Public School System in June of 2005. Even after retiring from teaching, she continued to tutor children in need of academic support. Mary was a gifted, creative, and talented teacher who loved being in the classroom. Teaching was a natural for her.
She will be remembered by her two children, Stephanie Jenkins and John Victor Self; three grandchildren, Brian Jenkins, Coco Fraley-Self, and Kiki Fraley-Self; three sisters, Esther Jones, Mattie Glasgow, and Olinda Griffin; she is also survived by extended family and a lifetime of dear friends who were blessed by her presence, cherished her love, laughter, and fellowship. She is missed already.
To the Hospice care team at Traditions Health of Newport News, Virginia, our family would like to extend our gratitude and heartfelt thanks for the care and compassion shown to our mother.
Donations can be made in honor of Mary Self to Reach Out & Read.
