John Gibson Tilghman Jr.

John Gibson Tilghman, Jr. entered this world on October 21, 1932 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of the late Elizabeth and John Tilghman. He departed this life to go home to his Heavenly Father on April 1, 2015. John grew up in Baltimore and attended the public schools there graduating from Booker T. Washington Jr. High School and Carver Vocational Technical High School with certificates in shoe repairing and the trowel trades. Upon completion of high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served bravely in the Korean conflict. He received three Bronze Stars and many other commendation and awards. He was honorably discharged in 1954. After his military service, he worked diligently many years in civil service at Fort Howard Hospital as a subsistence manager. While at Fort Howard, he received many awards for great service including a certificate and commendation for saving an ill patient from suicide. Once his service to his country was over, he returned to Baltimore and resumed his friendship with his childhood friend, Betty Jackson. She turned out to be his "true love" and they were married on July 6,1957. From that moment on, they were always together. You rarely saw one without the other. From that union, a son, Kenneth was born. He instantly became the "apple" of John's eye. At an early age, John accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He attended both Sharp Street Church and Union Baptist Church with his parents. Upon his marriage, he joined Betty's church, Unity United Methodist Church, where he served faithfully until his death. John was a quiet, deep thinking man and willingly helped others. He enjoyed fishing, playing pinochle, and watching football games. But his greatest pleasure came from being around his grandchildren - Erica, Kenneth and Brianna. They could do no wrong in his eyes and his love for them grew deeper and deeper. He loved his home and enjoyed working on the lawn and doing all of the upkeep of the house. John can be remembered as a true gentleman, a devoted Christian, a true friend and for his willingness to always help others. He displayed true devotion to his family and friends. John leaves a legacy of love to celebrate his life - wife, Betty, one son, Kenneth, three grandchildren Erica, Kenneth II, and Brianna, one sister Sylvia and many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Tributes

John Gibson Tilghman Jr.

October 21, 1932 - April 1, 2015