Tessie Mackey Heinsch

It is a beautiful honor to write Tessie Mackey Heinsch’s obituary, as my earliest memories of my Grandma Tessie revolved around writing. All of my life I remember her dedicating countless hours to writing and re-writing (and re-writing) her life story by hand and then the typewriter, taking time to illustrate her stories with colorful drawings. As a fellow lover of the written word and of good books, I appreciate those precious memories of my grandmother.

My grandmother was born on August 21, 1937, and she was known for a lot of things during her time with us: Her love for her writing and her children, doing her favorite dance -- the mashed potato -- at parties, and watching Gone With the Wind a million times over. She was known for her love for the Bible and making her curry cornbread stuffing for every major holiday. She was known for her love of good music. But those of us who loved her best knew that nothing -- not even sickness -- could stop her love for God. Even after her stroke stole her ability to speak and communicate, she fought hard to read her Bible consistently, taking comfort from God communicating with her. In fact, when she passed, she was found with the Bible on her chest, and her hands crossed over it. Grandma, we love you and will miss you.

Tessie Mackey Heinsch is survived by her sisters, nieces, and countless cousins, as well as five children: Florestine La Beaud Chapple, Howard Mackey, Felicia Benton, Michelle Mackey and LaChinda Benton; nine grandchildren: Sonchray Mackey Garrett, Kenya Mackey, Junika Mackey, Winter Abadoo, Michael F. Johnson Jr., Robyn Bolden, Joseph Bolden, Myles Morgan and Legend Dahn; 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Brothers Valhalla, North Hollywood, CA.