Mrs. Iona Tinsley

On April 3, 1947, a beautiful baby girl entered this world in Coldspring, Texas. Albert and Iona Elmore lovingly named their daughter Iona, but to her close friends and family, she was affectionately known as “Ree." Ree graduated as Salutatorian from Lincoln High School in 1965 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Education from Prairie View A&M University in 1969.

She married Charles Tinsley, and together they were blessed with three children. A dedicated servant of Jehovah, Ree was baptized on July 1, 1977 and faithfully worshiped at the Homestead Congregation, where her friends became her extended family. Her love and generosity shone brightly to everyone, whether they were related by blood or by heart. Her home was a hub of love and hospitality, hosting wedding rehearsals, bridal and baby showers and well-orchestrated dinners.

She was always prepared to welcome guests, embodying her belief that “you never know when someone might drop by.” Ree devoted her life to education, teaching Language Arts in North Forest ISD and later in Galena Park ISD, where she received many awards as Teacher of The Year. She retired and was rehired twice. Her passion for teaching never waned, and although her time as a teacher totaled over 40 years, she often expressed a desire to return to the classroom, where she found immense joy.

Ree’s generosity and kindness touched many lives, and her greatest joy was sharing the kingdom’s hope with others. To know Ree was to love her deeply. She will be missed tremendously and cherished beyond words. Ree passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 12:20 a.m., at Hermann Memorial-Northeast Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Iona Elmore; her husband, Charles Tinsley; her brother, John Elmore; her sisters, Inez Elmore, Ruby Williams and Albra Mae Holiday; her nephew, Ryan Alexander Gelzer; and her niece, Mario “Lynn” Darden.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her son, Charles Rashon Tinsley; her daughters, Tonya Ramon Carter (James Carter) and Tami Rachelle Quintana (Anthony Quintana); and her seven grandchildren, James C. Carter, Jarrett S. Carter, Carmean A. Tinsley, Anthonee S. Quintana, Anthony S. Quintana, Andrew S. Quintana, and Alaia S. Quintana. Ree is also survived by her three brothers, Dennal H. Elmore (Jacqueline Elmore), James H. Elmore (Shirley Elmore) and Bennie Elmore (Miranda Elmore); her four sisters, Emma K. Osborne (Retired Colonel Tommy Osborne), Ester D. Wynn (Leon Wynn), Debra K. Davis (Ivory Davis Jr.), and Dr. Omega Faye Elmore (Dr. Ronald Gelzer);

and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former students who will continue to honor her legacy.

Services for Mrs. Tinsley will be live streamed via Zoom. Please click the "Join Live Stream" link below listed under "Memorial Service". Meeting passcode is 1914.