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- A journey of faith and resilience
- Discover the powerful journey of Dalls Tillman — a life shaped by love, hardship, and unwavering resilience.
01 / 04 About the Book
A Love Story
Told As It Truly Was
Dallas T. Tillman grew up in Mississippi — farming cotton, corn, sweet potatoes alongside his mother and brother after their father left. Each time his diabetic mother fainted in the relentless sun, the boys brought her home on a wagon. By morning, she'd be back out working beside them.
In the 1950s, the family moved to California. A decade later, while selling encyclopedias in San Francisco, Dallas met Marie Debose — and sparks flew. She was thirteen years older and still married to another man. But Dallas was determined. This is their story.
Together 53 years and 8 months — through love, loss, and California dreams — their bond held until Marie's passing in 2018. A heartfelt testament to people of color who forged extraordinary lives in extraordinary times.
Purchase on Amazon ↗02 / 04 Book Highlights
What the
Story Holds
Six defining threads woven through
a life honestly and fully lived.
Roots in Mississippi
Growing up Black in the rural Deep South — farming cotton, facing hardship, and learning resilience from a devoted mother.
The California Dream
From Vallejo to Fairfield to San Francisco — chasing opportunity as a student-athlete and self-made entrepreneur.
A Love Chosen
Against all odds, Dallas pursued Marie — 13 years his senior and married. Their love defied convention for five decades.
Life During Change
Set against the Civil Rights Movement — a memoir of America's most transformative era, lived from the inside.
Family & Faith
Marie's spiritual strength anchored their family. Her faith and love shaped everything Dallas and their children became.
Rich with Memory
Illustrated with personal family photographs — authentic, unfiltered moments from a life genuinely and fully lived.
03 / 04 Reader's Testimonials
What Readers
Are Saying
Verified Reviews
"This is a life story in short form. I have seen first-hand the love they had for each other. Proud to say he is my brother and friend. A good book to read."
Nathan Edwards
Dallas's Brother — Amazon Review
"A very good life story. Personal and touching. You feel as though you are sitting alongside Dallas and Marie through every chapter of their journey."
Maria C. Palmer
Verified Amazon Reviewer
"A beautiful life story — vividly-detailed and heartwarming. A wholesome testament to the greatness of people of color living in extraordinary times."
June A. Reynolds
Verified Reader
04 / 04 About the Author
Dallas T.
Tillman
Born September 13, 1940, in Newman, Mississippi, on the banks of the Big Black River. Dallas came of age farming the land alongside his mother and brother — learning early that strength is forged through struggle and love.
In the 1950s, the family relocated to California. He flourished as a student-athlete in Fairfield, then made his way to San Francisco — where, while selling encyclopedias, he met the woman who would become the love of his life: Marie Debose.
Dallas and Marie shared 53 years and 8 months together — building a family, chasing dreams, weathering every storm side by side. After Marie's passing in 2018, Dallas committed their story to the page, not just as tribute, but as a gift to generations who deserve to know where they came from.
53
Years married
1940
Year born
2020
Published
Get in Touch
Whether you're a reader, a media outlet seeking an interview, or someone whose heart was moved by this story — Dallas would love to hear from you.