Tessie Ray McAllister

Quietly on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, our Heavenly Father called Tessie Ray McAllister home to rest. Tessie, affectionately known as Mama Tessie by family and friends alike was the daughter of Jimmy and Precious Rogers. Born in Marshall, Texas on April 19, 1920, Tessie was one of sixteen children.

She was married to the late Bonnie Ray McAllister in 1941. They moved to Salinas and from there to Dana Point and finally settled in Santa Ana, where they were one of the first African American families to live in the area. Tessie became a member of Johnson Chapel A.M.E Church in the late 1940’s where she became a Sunday school teacher, was a part of the Y.P.D. ministry, as well as Trustee of the church. Tessie was one of the founding members of the Order of the Eastern Star P.H.R.A. for the State of California based in Santa Ana. She served as a member for over fifty plus years.

She was honored at a banquet hosted by the County of Orange Southwest Minority Economic Development Association for being a dedicated individual who volunteered vasts amounts of time and energy.

Upon retirement from Cal State Fullerton, Tessie became a devoted volunteer at the Southwest Community Center. She enjoyed her daily walks, word puzzles, and peppermint candy.

Tessie was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. Survived by son, Wendell McAllister (Vincell), daughters, Gail McAllister and Ophelia Cotton, and deceased son, Bonnie Fay McAllister; surviving granddaughters DeWayne Thorton, Wendy McAllister, Stephanie Wilson, Michelle and Jeanea Walker, grandson Timothy McAllister and recently deceased grandson Troy McAllister; last surviving sibling, sister, Carrie L. Moore, along with 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.