Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller

Ms. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller, 81, of Linden, passed away Thursday July 31, 2025 in Georgia. Born Elizabeth Belle Howell, she was destined to fulfill the promise of genteel rearing, in the revered familial tradition of her name which was bestowed by her trailblazer paternal hero, Esquire Fred Ashley Howell, Perry County Magistrate, and her trailblazer maternal nurturer, Mrs. Tilda Hildren Culp Howell, an Educator. Mrs. Elizabeth Howell Tiller's parents are enshrined in the Perry County historical legacy state road bridge which bears both their names and which is recorded in the State of Tennessee Congressional Record. Perry Countians share in the knowledge of the prolific life of one of its own in Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller whose vast Twin Oakes Century Perry County Farm Estate courses along Highway 128 where the beauty of wildlife and the naturally-exquisite land topography is reflected. Perhaps a bridge named in her honor along her beloved Cedar Creek Twin Oakes land acreage would reflect the honor and phenomenal service which Mrs. Elizabeth Bell Howell Tiller gave a lifetime to her beloved Perry County and her Country as her parents before her gave tremendous service.

The name designation Elizabeth Belle had its origin in ancestral generations before her naissance. Elizabeth Belle, an only daughter, would make her own trailblazer mark in Perry County history which eventuated into a plethora of firsts among her peers in Perry County and beyond its boundaries, inclusive of holding the unique distinction of the first and only female elected Superintendent of Perry County Schools for eight pristine political years amidst the socio-conservatism of an era and a geographical locale.

Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller's name is enshrined within the hearts of a plethora of individuals from all echelons of society, from the educational cadre, the political spectrum, the journalistic forum, the charitable, philanthropic and mentoring sectors, the celeb circuit, and even societal governmental and administrative service corps. An abbreviated list encompasses numerous entities.

Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller, Salutatorian of Perry County High School, was an early and accelerated collegiate graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, holding a Baccalaureate Degree in English, having obtained Master's Degrees in Education, an M+45 Educational Degree acquisition and initiating doctoral degree studies in Educational Leadership at two collegiate institutions.

Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller, served as Superintendent of Perry County Schools, as TPW's most innovative Correctional Principal-Creatively developing an extended educational curriculum-and as an Interim Acting TPW Associate Warden Administrator.

Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller was Author and Co-Writer of the exquisite lifestyle and table setting culinary publication, "Collector's Edition of Signature Settings For the Connoisseur & Novice Event Planner" (Tiller and Horne), the Co-Author of the published Children's Book, "The ABC's of Etiquette with Ariel, Raquel and Friends" (Authors, Winfrey, Tiller, Horne) and Co-Producer of a Mentoring and Educational Media Production entitled "The Party Patrol, Basic Dining Etiquette for Teens" with an accompanying individualized brochure of educative tutelage on the art of culinary instruction, manners and life mentoring as pertains to teens (Producers Winfrey, Tiller and Horne).

Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller was instrumental in educational and literacy advocacy, co-opting positive and productive mentoring venues for children and adults with celebs such as Daytime, Primetime Emmy-nominated Star, Hollywood Actress and Doctor of Letters, Dr. Victoria Rowell and supporting mentoring experiences for children with cinema launch venues such as the South Georgia celebratory "Red Carpet Event" launched at the Valdosta Cinema, in association with Dr. Jaehneth Ewell Taylor's son's premier launch of the "Space Jam: A New Legacy" (Hollywood Cinematographer/Screenwriter/Director/Producer, Mr. Juel Taylor) and mentoring collaboration with iconic artists such as Commodore's Music Grammy Artist, Walter "Clyde" Orange of "Brick House" fame and iconic artist, Dr. Ronald Scott McDowell whose artwork appears in the Smithsonian to name limited instances of Mrs. Elizabeth Howell Tiller's mentoring and philanthropic contributions.

Mrs. Elizabeth Tiller owned and managed a Medical Management proprietorship Company, "Med Max" which implemented administrative services for Dr. Horne's Physician Practice in Memphis, Tennessee at 50 Peabody Place overlooking famed Beale Street and another auspicious site near St. Francis and the Memphis Germantown Area, as well as Dr. Horne's Comprehensive Wellness Center and Physician Practice in Valdosta, Georgia.

Mrs. Tiller's "Twin Oakes Howell Century Farm" in Perry County and its pedigree angus cattle breeding was a hallmark activity of her father, Esquire Howell, who also owned a Chevrolet Dealership during the 1930's Depression Era and her mother, Mrs. Tilda Culp Howell-both who engendered and initiated Mrs. Elizabeth Belle's interest in perpetuating their stalwart familial Century Farm Estate management and proprietorship with Mrs. Elizabeth adding to the coveted rich hardwood treasure of an expansive acreage.

Emanating from the lineage of John Edward Howell and Mary Belle Bunch Howell, the grandparents, the Howell couple, is enamored in Perry County history as pictured in the Nashville Tennessean with their youngest granddaughter Elizabeth Belle Howell in an article which was reportedly written by Gordon H. Turner, Sr., father of Dr. Gordon H. Turner, Jr. MD. Mrs. Elilzabeth Belle Howell Tiller also shared lineage with Dr. Edward Culp, MD, a Vanderbilt educated physician and brother to her mother, Mrs. Tilda Hildren Culp Howell. Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller, in matrimonial tie to Mr. Joe "Mack" Tiller, welcomed into their lives their only daughter, Najie Simone and later their granddaughters, Ariel Elizabeth and Raquel Rosalyn as well as great-granddaughters, Athena and Anikha. Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller is much beloved by the descendants of all of her family lineages which consists of replete cousins and other relatives and  myriad family friends, colleagues in her various professional niches and as well, the Perry County Community.

Mrs. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter Mrs. Najie Simone (Ricky) Warren, granddaughters, Dr. Ariel Elizabeth (Dr. Harry) Brooks, Ms. Raquel Rosalyn Stearnes, great-granddaughters Athena Brooks and Anikha Brooks. 

In delineating, recapitulating, and sharing her most impressive and phenomenal life of respect, exemplary accomplishment, and extensive service to her community in particular and humanity in larger society, I, Dr. Horne have shared just a kaleidoscopic view in the immense life of one of your own most notable Perry Countians, whose legacy of honor to her community shall forever be held in the hearts, minds and souls of those whose lives Mrs. Elizabeth Belle Howell Tiller indelibly touched.

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