Thomasena Tisdale was born January 3, 1936 in Kingstree, South Carolina to Riller Chandler and
Randolph McCrea. She was educated in the public school system of Williamsburg County.

In 1956 she married her husband, John Tisdale, and this union was together until his passing.
Thomasena then met her long-time companion, Willie B. Terrell, and they were together until his
untimely death. Thomasena moved to Rochester, New York in 1970, where she found employment at
the Mariner House for many years. She then moved on to begin her career with Monroe Community
Hospital.

Thomasena was the glue that held the family together. She played a part in helping to raise nearly
everyone in her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend,
companion, and counselor. As we all know, she loved to cook, fish, and bowl. She also loved to have
a house full of family and friends. Thomasena was always welcoming people.
She was a member of First Genesis Baptist Church for many years. Thomasena was faithful in her
attendance and in her financial support of her church.

Thomasena is pre-deceased by several family members, including her daughter, Barbara; grandson,
“Ty”; nine brothers, and eight sisters. Having received her call from God to be one of His angels on
April 18, 2022, she leaves to cherish her memory: three devoted daughters: Janie (Snake), Audrey
and Janice; six grandchildren: Reggie (Tanya), Sharmaine, Jasmine, JaQuan, JaVonn, and Ashley;
thirteen great-grandchildren: Shakier, Joshua, Treshawn, Kev’Amani, Promise, Tymere, JaQuan Jr.,
Samire, Romance, Zayland, Kay’Vionna, Layloni, and Londyn; four sisters: Alberta, Doris, Mary, and
Sarah (Bishop William Outing) all of South Carolina.