If ears can actually “burn,” Connie Tilley’s surely must have been tinged red on Tuesday. A retirement reception in her honor celebrated Tilley’s 30-plus years of working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. On June 30, she will officially put in her last day as program director at Columbus Community Programs. Leaving will not be easy.
“It’s hard to believe it has been over 30 years since I first walked in the door of the ACT Center to start my new job as a social worker,” she expressed to the crowd of well-wishers gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Columbus. “I did not do this alone; I didn’t even come close to that. … I have had the most wonderful people cross my path.”
After serving as a community program provider with Ellisville State School, Tilley moved to Columbus in 1979 and worked with Community Counseling Services before joining the Columbus Rehabilitation Center. In 1984, she was selected to direct the Columbus-Lowndes Association for Handicapped Citizens. That association was dissolved in 2001, and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health assumed responsibility for the program. Tilley remained as the director of what was renamed Columbus Community Programs, under the direction of Ellisville State School.
In 2010, she was the recipient of the Paul D. Cotten Leadership Award presented at the Mississippi Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Conference.
High praise
Ellisville State School Director Renee Brett described Tilley as “extremely efficient, resourceful, caring, faithful, involved and understanding” in her address Tuesday. The sentiments were mirrored by others who spoke, including Dr. James W. Hunt and Dr. Alma Turner.
Hunt summarized a history of services developed locally in the past four decades for special needs individuals: Tilley was instrumental in much of it. Her “enthusiasm, good cheer and great personality” were valuable assets in what he described as an often difficult and complicated job.
“When we dreamed up the idea of (this reception), we wanted to show her our respect, love and celebration, and praise her for her leadership and creative talents,” Hunt said.
Turner is a parent advocate for the intellectually and developmentally disabled.
“God placed Miss Connie in our path,” Turner shared. “She was never too busy to listen and provide the help and support that sometimes my husband and I needed just to get through the next day. … And we will never forget the respect that she has shown our children.”
George Irby, former director of federal programs for Columbus, presented a proclamation from the Columbus City Council honoring Tilley. Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Vice President and District Three Supervisor John Holliman presented a resolution from that board.
In a phone interview Thursday, Tilley said, “I thank the City of Columbus and Lowndes County for embracing us over the years — embracing me and the programs and allowing us to do the things we’ve been able to do.”
Ann Thompson, director of the James W. Hunt Group Home in Columbus, and Penny Burchfield, Special Olympics Global Messenger, presented Tilley a Book of Mememories Thompson had compiled.
“Without her, our program probably would not be here today,” said Thompson.
The evening closed with a duet by Rachel Hurt and Roger Burlingame.
The next chapter
Veronica Knowles assumes the reins at Columbus Community Programs as Tilley exits to spend more time with her family.
On Thursday, the retiring director looked back on several milestones of the past three decades — the move to become part of Ellisville State School and the establishment of the Hunt Group Home, among them. She praised the community for its support.
“There was never a time that we didn’t start or dream something that it didn’t become a reality because people were willing to step in and help us,” she said.
Tilley has come to grips with retirement, she said. She believes the time is right. “But the reality will hit Tuesday, when I have to actually say goodbye to the folks I serve. … It’s going to be very difficult.”
After more than three decades alongside Tilley, others are likely to echo a remark Turner made at the reception:
“Miss Connie made me feel that nothing was impossible. We thank her for doing the seemingly impossible.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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