Matilda Jones (Pfefferkorn) Bayless

Matilda (Tillie) Jones Bayless, a loving and devoted mother and a dear friend to all who knew her, passed away at the age of 93 on July 8, 2024, in Pasadena, Maryland. Tillie was born on December 18, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of Somerset Orme Jones and Caroline Lycett. She had seven siblings: Anne, Orme, Aileen, Carol, Mary Cate, Evan and Louise.  She is survived by her sister, Carol Carlson.

Tillie was raised as a “farmer’s daughter,” loving her horses and many dogs, and always the life of the party and frequent host of many social gatherings.

Tillie had numerous passions in her life, her family, her churches (St. Peter’s Episcopal in Ellicott City, MD and St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Glenwood, MD), Winterset dances, bridge, croquet, Howard County Garden Club and more.  Yet, one of her greatest joys and passions was her career in Head Start. Starting as a pioneer teacher in the newly created national program in the 1960’s, Tillie’s thirst for learning and compassion for educating children combined to create a long-lasting, deep devotion to the program. Her career at Head Start spanned several roles including teacher, director, and national leader. She managed a pre-internet dial-up bulletin board giving critical real-time access to Head Start teachers nation-wide. Her career at Head Start also pushed Tillie to expand her education, gaining well-deserved Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in early childhood education.

Tillie was also blessed to have been married to two wonderful, caring husbands: George E.S. Bayless, Jr., who she married on March 6, 1951, and after his death on June 14, 1995, she later married James W. Pfefferkorn on January 20, 2002, and lived on Jim’s Lichendale Farm until his death on March 14, 2022. In addition to travel adventures, Jim and Tillie enjoyed hosting holiday dinners for the Pfefferkorn and Bayless/Jones families and dinners for dear friends.Tillie is also survived by four Bayless children: Matilda (Patti) Shaffer, Anne Hager, George E.S. Bayless III, Deena Cate Bryant and Jim Pfefferkorn’s children: Jamie, Jon, Alcinda and Rebecca. Tillie was blessed with many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Ellicott City on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 4 pm.  Lite refreshments to follow.

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