Carolyn Tilley (née Sells) was born Friday, September 4, 1925 in Worthington, Ohio .
she died Saturday, October 3, 2015. her recorded age was 89.
Carolyn Sells Tilley, age 90, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Tuscany Gardens. She was born in Worthington, Ohio on September 4, 1925 to the late Howard B. and Sarah J. King Sells. A graduate of Worthington High School. In 1938, Carolyn was the first Spelling Bee Champion. Sponsored by the Columbus Citizen Paper, Carolyn and her mother traveled by train to Washington, DC. While there, she met Franklin D. Roosevelt. She went on to be a Judge for future Spelling Bees. A loving mother, grandmother and breast cancer survivor; Carolyn will be deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her children: James H. Tilley, Joe R. (Shirley) Tilley, Jon C. Tilley and Cheri (Dick) Leopard; devoted daughter-in-law Barbara Tilley; grandchildren: Jesse, Emily, Erik, Valerie and Carrie; many great-grandchildren; her nieces, nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her brothers and sisters. A special thanks to Wendy and Chris at Tuscany Gardens for their genuine care. Family will receive friends from 2-4 pm, on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Memorial contributions may be made to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation, 700 Children’s Drive, H235, Columbus, Ohio 43205 in her memory.