Celebrating the life of 'an angel among us'

By Starla Muhammad | Last updated: Jul 3, 2018 - 12:09:07 PM

Evelyn Tinsley (L-R) Dr. Helen Tinsley, Karen Farrakhan, Evelyn Tinsley and Mustapha Farrakhan

L-R: Dr. Helen Tinsley, Junius Tinsley III, Evelyn Tinsley, Karen Farrakhan (R) Ms. Tinsley was 89

CHICAGO—Family, friends and well-wishers gathered to honor and celebrate the life of Evelyn 6X Tinsley, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, community servant and friend to those in need. Ms. Tinsley, the mother of Karen Farrakhan, wife of Nation of Islam Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan, passed away June 15 at age 89 during Eid al-Fitr at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

A memorial service honoring her memory was held June 24 on the grounds of the National Center of the Nation of Islam in Chicago. Plenty of tears were shed by those whose lives Ms. Tinsley impacted and touched. There were also plenty of smiles and laughter as family members shared memories and reflections of a life well lived by a woman referred to as “a living angel who walked among us.”

“My mother was a very special person. She was extremely giving, caring and loving to everyone she met,” said her oldest daughter, Dr. Helen Tinsley. Dr. Tinsley stood next to her younger sister Karen as both women, at times visibly moved and emotional, spoke about the woman they called “mommy.”

“She was also my number one supporter, confidante and my best friend,” shared Dr. Tinsley before reading from heartfelt words she wrote to her mother in 1991 for Mother’s Day.

“My mom was the best,” said Mrs. Farrakhan. She shared with the audience a story that encompassed the calming and soothing temperament her mother often demonstrated. Once at a hotel stay during a family vacation, Ms. Tinsley unpacked her belongings, but when she proceeded to lay in the bed, it fell to the floor. “Mom’s laying in the bed and she goes, ‘well, just call and have them bring a board,’” Ms. Farrakhan said smiling as the audience chuckled.

A memorial was held June 24 at Muhammad University of Islam on the grounds of the National Center in Chicago. (R) Student Min. Ishmael Muhammad

Ms. Tinsley’s granddaughters: Nafeesa (left) and Jamillah share reflections. (R) Ms. Tinsley’s granddaughter Shaheerah sings.

“Of course, they moved us and we were fine but it just shows you that she just never wanted to ruffle any feathers. She could adapt to anything.” Mrs. Farrakhan thanked her husband for his love and support in caring for her mother, who made her transition in their home. She thanked her father- and mother-in-law, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, the Farrakhan and Muhammad families, Student National MGT Captain Sandy Muhammad, the Nation of Islam, extended family members and friends for their love, support and prayers.

“Your expressions today in memory of mom were expressions of gratitude, appreciation; and that expression of gratitude is what God adds to the reward that you as the children and you as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren will receive on top of the reward that your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother earned in her lifetime by doing good to others,” said Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to Min. Farrakhan, in words of comfort he spoke near the conclusion of the service.

“The Qur’an teaches us to be doers of good and to be good to others and for the doers of good there is no fear, nor shall they grieve. So, it’s natural that your heart is heavy, but don’t let your heart be troubled. You should be glad and thankful to God that you came from such a noble, righteous, good, honorable woman—Mother Evelyn.”

Evelyn Faye Theresa William-Hampton-Tinsley was born April 3, 1929 in Englewood, New Jersey. On April 7, 1951 she married Junius Tinsley, Jr. and the couple had four children: Junius III, William, Helen and Karen. The couple opened their home to family, neighbors and friends and made everyone feel like family, noted the beautiful printed program distributed at the service. Ms. Tinsley was very creative and enjoyed cooking, for family as well as friends and loved to crochet. She was also the first Black customer service representative at New Jersey Bell Telephone in Englewood. She joined the Nation of Islam 10 years ago at the age of 79. Ms. Tinsley is survived by three children, 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives to cherish her memory.

Ms. Tinsley’s daughters Dr. Helen Tinsley and Karen Farrakhan (R) Delphine Bryant, Wendy Spinner and Lisa Clyburn, cousins of Karen Farrakhan, standing with Mother Khadijah Farrakhan.

Dr. Helen Tinsley with friends of her mother from Saint James Senior Estates Photo: Starla Muhammad

Several of Ms. Tinsley’s friends from Saint James Senior Estates in Crete, Illinois, where she lived for several years, attended the service to pay their respects. She was a masterful cook and would often treat them to homemade dishes she would make from scratch such as navy bean soup, chicken parmesan and much more.

Mary Kirklen met Ms. Tinsley seven years ago when she first moved into Saint James Senior Estates. Ms. Tinsley was already living there and when they first met, they hit it off right away, said Ms. Kirklen. “She loved Bingo and when we would call the numbers like B-4, she would always say, ‘not after!’,” Ms. Kirklen said laughing as she shared reflections with The Final Call. “She was spry and lively to the very end.” There was a love that emanated from Ms. Tinsley that drew people to her, as well as her goodness and kind heart, added Ms. Kirklen.

“She was a wonderful person to have known. We all loved her. She was the best cook in the whole wide world and I loved the fact that she was just so loving to everyone. She had a beautiful spirit.”

The Final Call