Sophia Tillman-Ortiz

Colonel Sophia Ann Tillman-Ortiz, affectionately known as "Sophie", was born to Orville and Mary Tillman on June 14, 1963 in Chester, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Kennett Square High School in 1981 receiving varsity letters in track, field hockey, and basketball.

Her educational pursuits resulted in receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Wagner College, a Masters of Science Degree as an Adult and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Masters of Science Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from George Washington University.

She served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army for 28 years with overseas deployments to Nicaragua during Hurricane Relief efforts in 1999, Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO-led Stabilization Force in 2002, and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Her overseas tours included two yearlong assignments to the Republic of Korea.

Her key military assignments include Chief of Primary Care (Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC), Assistant Director of Clinical Nursing (Fort Belvoir, VA), Chief of Health Promotion Policy (Headquarters, Department of the Army - Pentagon), Chief of Primary Care (Fort Meade, MD), Health Clinic Commander (Fort Hood, Texas), Head Nurse - Intensive Care Unit (Fort Bragg, NC), and Head Nurse - Intensive Care Unit (Fort Campbell, KY).

Sophie was a dedicated wife and mother of two who enjoyed life. She focused on supporting others, and placing their needs far above her own. She inspired countless with her radiating energy, beautiful smile, positive outlook, compassion, and personal example. Her home was always open to family and friends. Her counsel and insight - thoughtful and well-advised. Her spiritual faith - unbreakable and uplifting.

Sophie fulfilled her role on this earth spreading her J-O-Y as God intended, focusing on Jesus, Others, and Yourself. She will sorely be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Colonel Orlando Ortiz, children Devon and Dalia Young, parents Orville and Mary Tillman, brother Terry Tillman, Grandmother Helen Johnson, and a host of aunts, cousins, and nieces and nephews throughout the Philadelphia, PA area.

Womack Army Medical Center is currently coordinating the arrangements for a local memorial service to be announced at a later date.