Ethel "Paralee" Tilley, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend, passed peacefully from this life in Columbus, MS at Baptist Memorial. Born on June 20, 1935, to Thomas and Lady Grace Jaynes, Paralee was a lifelong resident of Ethelsville, AL- rooted deeply in faith, family, and the joy of simple living. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Ethelsville Baptist Church with Bro. Mel Howton and Bro. Richard Trotter officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at the church.
Paralee was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of Ethelsville Baptist Church, where her faith and fellowship enriched the lives of all who knew her. She lived out her beliefs in kindness, hospitality, and service to others.
A hardworking and skilled seamstress, Paralee retired from Seminole Manufacturing, later known as American Trouser, where her steady hands and attention to detail were deeply valued. Even after retirement, her work ethic never waned-whether tending her vibrant flowerbeds, mowing her yard with pride, or baking her signature cakes and fried apple pies that brought joy to friends and family alike.
Paralee found the most joy in life's simplest blessings: gardening under the Alabama sun, game nights filled with laughter over dominoes or Rook, and spontaneous adventures. Her home was always open, and her heart even more so.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Thomas and Lady Grace Jaynes, and all of her siblings: Eva Winborne, Minnie Lee Williams, Katie B. Sobley, Ida Mae Johnson, Gracie Lee Sabinson, Martha Virginia Mahoney, D.C. Jaynes, Thomas Edgar Jaynes, Walter Jaynes, and Henry Jaynes. Each of them now welcomes her into eternal rest.
Paralee's legacy lives on through her devoted sons, Geral (Rita) Tilley and Charles (Connie) Tilley, both of Ethelsville, AL; her cherished grandchildren, Josh (Maeghan) Tilley, Jacob (Jordan) Tilley, Leigh (Koby) Watkins, Rachel (Phillip) Pruitt, and Brittany (Cody) Arnold; and her adored great-grandchildren: Kade Watkins, Addyson Pruitt, Tinley Arnold, Knox Watkins, Hardy Tilley, Hannah Arnold, Hayden Tilley, Palyn Tilley, Tripp Arnold, Maggie Pruitt, and Roper Tilley. She is also remembered fondly by her neighbor, Martha, and many dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.
Pallbearers are Koby Watkins, Phillip Pruitt, Cody Arnold, Josh Tilley and Jacob Tilley.
Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff and friends at Arbor Woods Health and Rehab for the love and care shown to Paralee during her time there.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the beautiful, full life that Paralee lived. She was the heartbeat of her family, a cornerstone of her community, and a true reflection of love and grace.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Ethelsville Baptist Church, 230 Main Street, Ethelsville, AL 35461.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23