Dr. Barbara Tillman Nau

Susan was born in Dallas, Texas on October 23, 1956, to Ralph and Fayrene Tillman. She graduated valedictorian from Kimball high school after serving as captain of the drill team and being elected homecoming queen.

After graduation she attended Baylor University for two years and then transferred to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. She then did medical research at Southwestern medical school in Dallas where she was encouraged by her superiors to apply to medical school. She entered medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and graduated in 1984 but not before she fell in love and married Thomas Nau, M.D., who was in his Otolaryngology residency at the same institution. She completed Internal Medicine residency and then an Infectious Diseases fellowship to stay on as Associate Professor doing research, patient care, and resident and student teaching.

She and her husband then moved to Kerrville, Texas where they both practiced medicine for eight years. They then moved back to San Antonio, and she found herself as the Hospital Epidemiologist for the entire Methodist Hospital system in San Antonio.

Susan loved the Lord with all her heart and would freely give the gospel to any who would listen. When she met someone new to her she would invariably ask if they were saved. Her faith guided everything in her life. She used her amazing intelligence and compassion for patients to help many survive otherwise fatal infections. She also loved to play the piano and had a love of gardening, especially roses. Children seemed especially comfortable around her, and strangers would wind up telling her their problems and life stories. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Susan took excellent care of her husband.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Thomas Nau, M.D., mother Fayrene Painter Tillman, sister Linda Tillman Barriga, and numerous beloved aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 On October 20, 2023, the family will gather at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer, Texas for a viewing at 12:00 PM followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park at 2:00 PM.