Jewell Wingfield Tilghman

Please click here to view the live-streaming of the Funeral Service for Mrs. Tilghman on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 11:00am.

Jewell Bass Wingfield Tilghman made her peaceful transition to eternal life on June 16, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones.  Jewell was born on May 9, 1939 to the late Willie O. and Martha (Parham) Wingfield.

During her formative years, Jewell was raised by her grandmother, the late Pearl Malcolm.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at From The Heart Church Ministries (formerly Full Gospel) in the mid-1980’s under the headship of the late Dr. John A. Cherry.  She was an active member who served in various ministries – the Nursery Ministry Head, Choir Mother for the Full Gospel Youth Choir and later became a dedicated member of the Telephone Ministry.  Jewell truly loved the Lord and had a servant’s heart for performing the gifts that God had blessed her with.  She actively sought opportunities to use her gift of nursing with members of From the Heart that were “shut-in” but not shut-out from the body of Christ.

Upon relocating to New Jersey she watched televised services of From the Heart Ministries, but because of her desire to fulfill her service, she joined Christ Church in Rockaway, New Jersey under the leadership of Pastor David Ireland. While worshipping at Christ Church, again Jewell faithfully served as an assistant to the Church Administrator, Sister Sandra Bugg.  She had a host of friends at Christ Church and to name a few—her Pastor, David Ireland, Pastor Ron and Brother Stephen, who always made sure she didn’t leave the church without a meal.

In 1957, Jewell graduated from Spingarn High School in Washington, D.C., and immediately enrolled in the Holy Ghost Hospital School of Practical Nursing earning an Associate Degree in 1959.  Jewell began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) caring for the elderly with compassion and a listening ear.  On June 16, 1962 Jewell married Robert Cyprian Tilghman.  From this union two children were born, Dana Elizabeth and Robert Christopher.  In 1977, her youngest, Kiarra Anise was born.  Looking to broaden her horizons, Jewell connected with the Urban League and later began working for Amtrak as a Crew Base Supervisor, the position from which she retired after 40 years of dedicated service.

 Jewell enjoyed cruising, even though she was not a swimmer, she seized any opportunity to board a cruise ship, regardless of the season!  She truly loved birds.  In fact, a few years ago, the canaries (her true babies) had an entire bedroom to themselves to be free to fly around during the day.  She always believed that birds should be free.  Jewell was a nature person, she had a green thumb also.  All of her yards would be adorned with splendor of colorful flowers and plants and of course the Hydrangea was her “trophy” flower, not that she ever entered into a contest!  She also enjoyed painting and coloring (some of her artwork is on display today).  Her radiant smile, warm spirit and ministry of helps touched everyone who had the pleasure of being in her presence.  Her name was an apt description, she was a true “Jewell”.

Jewell leaves a legacy of love to her children Dana (Tony), Christopher and Kiarra; three grandchildren, Chanel, Antonio and Christian.  Five siblings:  Carl Wingfield, Jerry Wingfield (Eva), Pearl Brandon, Wilhelmina Wingfield, and Jean Burnette.  Two god-daughters, Jill Traci Wingfield and Celeste Knox-Smith, her bonus daughter, Denisha Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.