TESSYE BELLE CARROLL

Tessye Belle Thomas, the first-born child to Burton Joseph and Susie Annette arrived on May 4, 1924. Tessye accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young girl at Second Baptist Church where her parents were very active members. 

Tessye has been a life member of Second Baptist Church. As a youth, she was actively engaged in all youth activities and once served as president of the Youth Choir, and the youth Usher Board. 

As a young lady, Tessye joined the Hospitality Committee, the Junior Missionary and the Myra Davis Hemmings Dramatic Actors Guild. 

As an adult, Tessye was active in church activities.  She was an active member of the Nannie Helen Burroughs Missionary auxiliary, Matron’s Guild, Hospitality Committee, and the Historical Committee until her health began to fail.   Behind the scenes, Tessye helped wherever and whenever she was needed. Tessye was the first Chairperson for the Annual Church Anniversary under Rev. Dr. Robert L. Jemerson. She was also a past co-chairperson for of our Men & Women’s Day Programs. 

Tessye attended San Antonio Public Schools and graduated Phillis Wheatley High School at 16 years of age.

 Tessye attended Prairie View A&M University where she earned a Bachelors in History and French in 1945 and a Master’s in Education in 1953. She did post graduate work at Trinity University and the University of Boulder Colorado. 
Immediately after graduating from college, she became an assistant Librarian at the Carver Library and a Branch Librarian at the Lincoln Courts Library. At the same time, she began her teaching career in the San Antonio Independent School District. Tessye taught for about 40 years at Booker T. Washington Elementary and Rodriguez Elementary, where she molded many young minds.

Tessye affiliated with several civic, social, and cultural organizations.

She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (over 75 years of service) and was a past President of the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter. 
She was a member of the San Antonio Links, Inc., the Eastside Boys and girls club Advisory Board, the Progressive Women’s Club, National Council of 100 Black Women, the Retired Teachers Association, The Circle of Friends Club, Stars of Texas #2, the Diversion Social Club, Mi – Dear Bridge Club and was an avid Bridge player. 
She has been a Carver Volunteer, a member of M. L. K. Commission, a Red Cross volunteer for the Katrina victims, a nominee for the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame and a mentor at the Henry A. Carroll Academy (named in honor of her deceased husband).

Tessye loved to travel and has traveled extensively both in the states and abroad.

She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Burton Delaney Thomas, Calvin Odell Thomas, Cecil Joseph Thomas, and her devoted husband, Henry Adam Carroll, Sr.  
Tessye is survived her devoted daughter Dorothy Ann Carroll, and son Henry Adam Carroll, Jr. (Deloris), Nieces: Cecelia Jones (Bruce), Julie Warlick (Ted), Nephews: Burton Thomas, Jr. (Juanita), Phillip Thomas, Michael Thomas (Melanie), and David Thomas, and thirty (30) grand and great grand nieces, other relatives and many loving friends.