Joy L.Y. Tiller, 82, co-owner of two Hammock Shops businesses
October 13, 2022
Joy Louise Yochem Tiller of Pawleys Island died Oct. 6 at Waccamaw Community Hospital with her husband by her side. She was 82.
She was born June 1, 1940, in Galion, Ohio, the oldest of three daughters of Robert and Elizabeth Yochem. Joy graduated from Galion High School and Ohio University, where she studied early childhood education. She spent a few years as a first-grade teacher before starting her own family. Although her teaching career was short-lived, she never lost her appreciation for children and how life is seen through a child’s eyes.
She was married to Charles Tiller. She was tickled with his sense of humor from their high school days, and the spark never dimmed in their 58 years of marriage. They raised three sons. Their family made numerous moves across several states before settling in Pawleys Island in 1983.
Mr. and Mrs. Tiller worked together for over 20 years as co-owners of Christmas at Pawleys and The General Store in the Hammock Shops and several other retail shops along the Grand Strand. Her strengths were in the artistic and creative sides of the business as well as forming deep relationships with their customers.
Mrs. Tiller was a longtime parishioner at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, where she volunteered her time and talent with their Souper Bowl for Habitat for Humanity.
She loved magical things like Christmas, the coziness of her home and the colors of autumn in New England. She loved traveling with her husband. She could always appreciate a local artist she met in her travels; time spent with her sisters; and a beautiful bloom. She treasured her finds in the antique stores and pottery studios. She cherished the summer vacations with her sisters and their families in Pawleys Island. She could always enjoy a good laugh and was always the first one to laugh at herself.
Mrs. Tiller had a gift for making others feel welcome and could always find a connection with those she had just met. She was quick to host occasions at her home.
Family meant everything to her. She was BaBa to her nine grandchildren, and each knew she was their loudest cheerleader and strongest defender. Ordinary days at BaBa’s house felt like holidays to her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, Bob Tiller of Pawleys Island, Andy Tiller (Mary) of Monkton, Md., and Brian Tiller (Carla) of Apex, N.C.; nine grandchildren, Ryan Tiller, Hampton Tiller, Jackson Tiller, Bryant Tiller, Bess Tiller, Mac Tiller, Emily Tiller, Colin Tiller and Jonathan Tiller; two sisters, Ann Yochem Monnett (Buck) and Mary Yochem Houk (Keith); and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the church columbarium. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Goldfinch Funeral Home’s Litchfield – Pawleys Chapel.
