Racine – Mrs. Mary Louise Tenzy was born to Walter & Octavia (nee: Lee) Yandell on June 17, 1923 in Jackson, Tennessee. She attended North Jackson Elementary School and Graduated from Merry High School, in May 1941.  Mother traveled to Racine, Wisconsin for a visit with her cousins as a graduation present and never returned back home.  The first day she was in Racine, a party was given for the newcomer's downtown Racine at Debs Hall, where she met her then future husband, Albert Tenzy.  After that evening the two became one the following year on June 13, 1942.  After her marriage to Albert Tenzy she returned to Jackson, Tennessee to find that her mother and younger brother Howard Yandell needed her support. Albert and Mary agreed right then, to bring them both back to Racine to live with them.  Elder Albert Tenzy Sr was drafted into the United States Army for two years.  Left to take care of her mother and brother, Mary did what any dedicated daughter, sister and wife would have done.  She was there for them.  Little did she know that would become one of her most important gifts in life; to help and care for others.  In the meantime, her education dreams became delayed, due to her husband returning home from the Army in need of care.  So, on her shoulders she carried not another burden but a Love that could not be matched, while her husband was convalescent for the next nine months, she also cared for him.

Mary Louise met her mother-in-law Hallie Williams who was a saved woman.  Through her teachings and example Mary learned the importance of salvation and surrendered her life to the Lord. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 22 years old.

She has experienced the true love of God in her life as she learned to become that virtuous Woman that God expected of her. Mother Tenzy has been there; from stepping-in to care for family member's children, to stretching-out and becoming a faithful supporter in the Racine County Foster Care Program.

While raising her children and volunteering with the Racine Unified School District for many years, she decided to continue her long awaited education journey from Dominican College of Racine, Wisconsin with all expenses paid. There is where she earned her Degree in Education which allowed her to walk into a blessing of full time paid employment with the school district she so faithfully volunteered for, and she continued her tenure there until she retired.

She has gained the respect of many for the works she has done.  She has also held many positions in the local and state levels of the Church of God In Christ:

*State Soloist, 30 years, 3rd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of WI., Bishop JC Williams; Prelate.

*State Sunday School Representative, 25 years, 3rd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of WI., Bishop JC Williams; Prelate.

*District Missionary, 2 years, Sixth Jurisdiction of IL., The Late Bishop HW Goldsberry; Prelate.

*Ordained and Licensed Missionary Evangelist, 60 years, The Churches of God in Christ, Int.

And many many more positions she faithfully served in Christendom.

Mother Mary Louise Tenzy, age 94, answered the call of her Loving Savior on Thursday, June 7, 2018. She leaves to cherish her legacy; 6 children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, god children along with her entire Church family.

Her Life Celebration will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018, 11:00am, at Greater Grace Temple COGIC, 522 N. Memorial Dr., Racine, WI.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:00am until the time of service.  A Visitation will also be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018, 4:00:- 6:30pm, in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. The Family Hour Celebration will begin at 5:30pm.

Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life! In HIM, we LIVE, and MOVE  and HAVE OUR BEING!

Mother Tenzy's Favorite Proverb

Service Details

Funeral: Friday, June 15, 2018 11:00am

Visitation: Friday, June 15, 2018  9:00am until the time of service

and

Visitation: Thursday, June 14, 2018 4:00 -6:30pm, Family Hour Celebration will begin at 5:30

Location: Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home Chapel, 4600 County Line Rd, Racine, WI

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