September 19, 2023 –
Matilda “Tillie” M. Alexander
April 13, 1930 – September 14, 2023
Matilda “Tillie” Alexander, 93, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, at her home.
Tillie was born April 13, 1930, in Mayetta, Kansas to Willie and Lenora Wabskie Simon. She was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and began her education in a one room schoolhouse on the reservation and then attended Native American boarding schools in North Dakota, South Dakota and graduated from the Chilocea Indian Agricultural School in Chilocea, Oklahoma. On March 5, 1952, Tillie and F.S. “Jack” Alexander were united in marriage, enjoying more than 71 years together.
Tillie was employed by the Topeka State Hospital as a psychiatric aide for many years. She worked for the State of Kansas for several years before leaving to accompany her husband on his political circuit as well as others’ political campaigns.
Tillie enjoyed sports. Among her favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Dodgers but none trumped her KU Jayhawks. Tillie was an excellent seamstress and bowling, shopping, planting flowers and travel were some of her favorite activities. But more than anything else, Tillie loved her family and especially loved her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish Tillie’s memory are her husband, Jack Alexander; her children, Jack Alexander, Jr. (Jenny), Stephanie Alexander and Terrell Alexander (Lisa); her grandchildren, Shannon, Uler Ill, Alexandrea Simone, Tishawna, Michaella and Marissa; great-grandchildren, Walter “Trey”, Tasia, Uler IV, U’Zyah, U’Niese, Udonis, Usiris, U’Launi, Jason, Bryanna, Akkina, Cionna and Kanyon; seven great-great-grandchildren; her sister Mary Frost; many nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends.
Tillie was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Alexander, granddaughters, Lori Ann Alexander and Kori Lea Alexander and her seven brothers.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, September 23, at Mater Dei Holy Name Church. Entombment followed in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
(Courtesy of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home)