Mary (Anderson) Blackshire

It is with very profound sadness, we the family of, Southern Memorial Funeral Home sadly announces the passing of one of our own. Willie Blackshire who is apart of our team” Mother gained her wings today. We ask that you please keep the Blackshire family in your prayers. Service’s are entrusted to. Southern Memorial. The Ones Who Truly Care! When Only The Best Will Do. Announcements are forthcoming at a later date.

Mary Beatrice Anderson “Tena” Blackshire was born December 2,

1951, to the late Alto and Mary Lee Jones Anderson in Eufaula, AL.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age and served faithfully at Zion

Baptist Church.

She attended and graduated from TV McCoo in 1969. Tena was joined

into Holy Matrimony to Willie Edward Blackshire, and they gave birth

to two sons and two daughters. She joined the Star Baptist Church

where she served faithfully.

Tena was known for angelically singing duets with her husband. They

typically sang songs by The Consolers such as “Over Yonder Where

Jesus Is,” “Give Me My Flowers,” and “May the Work I’ve Done

Speak for Me.” In addition, Tena would sing solos, with her favorite

song being, “Salvation is Free.” It was not uncommon for us to witness

her (at her church or various churches in the community) quoting, from

memory, James Weldon Johnson’s poem, “The Creation.” She played

the piano and made sure that she shared some knowledge of playing

with her children and grandchildren.

She continued to share her love for Christ as she worked with the youth

of Star Baptist to prepare them for annual Easter and Christmas

programs. Tena may be best known for texting inspirational messages

from her cell phone. Those text messages by “Texting Tena” will

definitely be missed by many of us. Crocheting was her hobby, and

she would always make sure that she blessed us with place mats, pot

holders, dish towels, etc. Finally, cooking was her specialty as well.

Her fried corn bread, dressing, chicken salad, cakes, sweet tea, etc. will

also be missed. ALL of the work that she has done truly does speak for

her.

She served and attended Star Baptist until her health would no longer

allow. Her life expired September 17, 2018, at the Southeast

Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, AL.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary (Anderson) Blackshire, please visit our floral store.