Stella May Benson Tilley Burns, 89, of Savannah, died Wednesday, June 10, at her home. She was born in Hardin County, Tennessee on March 8, 1926, the daughter of the late George and Mammie Austin Benson. On August 27, 2014, she was united in marriage to James E. (Pete) Burns, who preceded her in death on November 24, 2014.
Stella better known by her family as "Aunt Ted", rededicated her life on May 29, 2015. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, canning, quilting, raising chickens, and loved her little dog, Bimbo.
She is survived by her children, Hershel Tilley of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, J.B. Tilley, Wanda Steely, Glona Hollander all of Savannah, Tennessee, and Frances Tilley of Ranger, Georgia; brothers, Donald Benson, Carmel Benson, and Jimmy Benson all of Savannah, Tennessee; sisters, Nellie Carroll, Josie Short, and Lossie Stewart all of Savannah, Tennessee; 19 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Shirley Powell, Fannie May Tilley, Johnny Richard Tilley, and Herby Tilley; sisters, Dossie Cossey and Dorothy Highland; brothers, Bobby Benson and Lowell Benson.
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