Celebration of Life
Thelma Felton-Tyner entered into eternal rest on August 2, 2023 at home in the care of her
loving granddaughter. Born May 26, 1937 she was raised in a large loving family with three
sisters and one brother.
Family and friends were central to the life of Sister Tyner. She enjoyed a large circle of
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and church friends. On July 14, 1995 she was joined
in matrimony to Chester Tyner and their union flourished until he was called from labor unto
reward in 1999. Her home in the Cavalier Manor section of Portsmouth was a hive of activity.
Her doorbell and telephone rang constantly. Sister Tyner was a steady grandmotherly figure to
many. Her words of wisdom and comforting soft spoken manner made all find comfort in her
presence. She epitomized the term “Glam-ma” with her clothing style and grace. Crossword
puzzles were near and dear to her heart.
Thelma retired from many years of service at Portsmouth public schools.
Sister Tyner joined St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Portsmouth in 1969 under
Rev. James Alton Butts. She became the Church Secretary and her administrative skills were
immediately put to work as the church was completely renovated and enlarged. Her first love at
St. Paul A.M.E. was for the young people. Sister Tyner served as the church’s first Young
People’s Department Director. As Sunday School Superintendent for over three decades at St.
Paul and Rehoboth A.M.E.’s she touched multiple generations of children whom she all treated
as her precious grandchildren. Each summer the youth of the church enjoyed the Vacation Bible
School she planned.
At St. Paul A.M.E Church Sister Tyner did not limit herself to just the youth. She was a
member of the Lay Organization, the Women’s Missionary Society and the Margaret Griffin
Circle. She was later appointed to the Steward Board. At Rehoboth A.M.E. Church she was a
loving mentor to all. Her favorite scripture was “The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall
I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” (Psalms 27).
She is survived by her child: Teresa Felton; her deeply cherished grandchildren: Terri Felton,
Tameka Felton, Tavon Felton and Geena Felton; her great-granddaughters Raven Cuffee and
Talia Felton; and her sister Winifred Woodhouse of Washington, D.C.
