Aug. 15, 2003 – Gov. Charles W. Turnbull extended condolences on Friday to the family of Rhoda Tillett, whose death in North Carolina on Monday night was announced Wednesday in the Virgin Islands.
"For more than four decades Rhoda and her late husband Jim Tillett provided an essential venue for the performing and visual arts on St. Thomas," the governor said in a release. "They produced shows at a time when it was critical to have an accessible place to display and encourage artists of all ages and disciplines."
He noted that the Tilletts welcomed both Virgin Islanders and performers from around the world to Tillett Gardens. "They were enthusiastic in their support for Arts Alive presentations and the Classics in the Garden," the release stated. "They achieved the goal of continually [providing] a wide variety of arts and crafts presentations for all to enjoy."
Turnbull said the community will always be grateful to the Tilletts for their commitment to providing a place for the arts to be showcased.