Jerome M. Tilghman Sr.

CAMBRIDGE - Jerome MacArthur Tilghman Sr., also known as "Bear" passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, at Dorchester General Hospital after a lengthy illness.

He was born Aug. 22, 1945, in Cambridge, to the late Oscar Tilghman Sr. and Beulah A. Dobson.

He received his education in the Dorchester County School System and was a student at Mace"s Lane High School.

Mr. Tilghman became very fond of music and singing. He began singing at a very young age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and was a member of The Shining Light Gospel Chorus. In his youth, he also created two bands with his friends; King Bosanova and The Royal Knights. He later sang gospel with The Gospel Travelers and The Mighty Unlimited Gospel Singers for 10 years.

Jerome had a strong desire to be in business for himself. In 1979, he received a certificate from Beauteria Inc. in Philadelphia, Pa., for hair weaving. In 1984, he began a charter fishing business. In 1989, he opened a game room and then in 1991, he opened Bear"s Taxi and Video Shack. In 1994, he opened his life long dream, The Soul Carry-Out Restaurant. Jerome enjoyed fishing, inventing and gardening.

Mr. Tilghman is survived by five children: Yvonne M. Sharp (Corey), Jerome M. Tilghman Jr., Montro L. Tilghman,Sr., Glenda I. Camper and Christi R. Camper; 11 grandchildren, Tykia, Shanay, Tyler, Shaquille, Montro Jr., JaQuan, Jerome III, Ajone, Ke"Shaun, Deonte" and Myron; two great-grandchildren, Taniya and Javion; two brothers, Corinthian and Johnny Tilghman; a sister, Myrtle Brooks (Ganes Sr.) and two special friends, Howard Bowens and Charles Neal Sr. and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were three brothers, Isaac, Morgan and Oscar Tilghman; three sisters, Helen Rogers, Lillian Robinson and Arrie Carter; a grandchild, Cameron and a special friend, Sandra Sheppard.

Services will be held at 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, at New Life Christian Church and Ministries with the Rev. Weldon Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery.

There will be a viewing Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Henry Funeral Home, P.A., in Cambridge.