Tributes

Tena Marie Byrd was born March 19, 1967 and as the youngest child, she was born with type two diabetes that was inherited from our beloved mother, the late Willie Dean Walker-Byrd. The impacts of being born with childhood diabetes resulted in varying health complications for Tena at an early age. Challenges faced by time Tena was only aged in her early 30s included cardiac problems, renal issues and other diabetic related problems. Nonetheless, Tena always brightened up the room with her pleasant smile and joy of life. She never complained and typically responded that she is blessed, in spite of chronic health concerns. Tena graduated from River Rouge High School with the awesome Class of 1985. Afterwards, she obtained an Associates Degree in Para-Legal Administration as well as an Associates Degree in Retail Sales. Career endeavors engaged Tena in working several years for a Law Firm in Lincoln Park, MI before transitioning to work in Fine Jewlerey Retail Sales at Meijers in Taylor, MI for over a decade. Tena suffered complete renal failure and retired by time she was aged in early 40s, as she required kidney dialysis 3 times weekly. Because of her passion for making a difference in the lives of young people, after driving herself to dialysis weekly, Tena still served as an AmeriCorp Worker with Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Develpment Club Read Program via the Coorporation for National Service for a few years, teaching literacy education to K-3rd Graders throughout Downriver Wayne County. Tena was a recipient of several esteemed awards for work accomplishments in each of her career experiences. Tena accepted Christ at an early age at St. John AME Church in River Rouge, MI. At merely 3 years old, she was reciting the Lord’s Prayer for Church Easter and Christmas Programs. By age 7, Tena was in the children’s choir and Sunday School. Before her teens, the family joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Ecorse, MI where Tena was baptised and continued her committment to Christian education in Sunday School and singing in the youth choir. It took Mt. Zion’s Choir almost 10 minutes to complete entrance for services as they marched in singing songs such as “Lord I’m Running Trying to Make 100 since 99 and Half Won’t Do” and “I’m Not Going to Let Nobody Turn Me Around.” These songs truely exemplified Tena’s commitment to Christ because in sickness and during healty times, Tena loved to sing and praise God. When she suffered paralysis in April 2018 after an unsuccessful spine surgery, although many were extremely angry with the surgeon, Tena just humbly accepted her fate without complaining. We will miss Tena calling family members to recite the “Lord’s Prayer” on a nightly basis. In fact, the last words she uttered with Sister Sandra and Niece Kimmie were the “Lord’s Prayer” just two nights before she passed, even though she could barely talk as she battled a tough fight in ICU at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. After Mt. Zion, Tena joined Mercy House with Jehovah Jireh Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Everett Thomas. Tena will be deeply missed and leaves to cherish her memory: Devoted, caring and loving Sisters Sandra (Fondly called BaBa); God-Sister June (Husband John); Beloved Brothers MacArthur and Harold; God-Brother Frank; God-Son and Nephew Anthony (Fondly called Tony); God-Daughter and Niece Kimberly (Fondly called Kimmie); God-Daughters (Jenee, Antoinette and Ambriel); God Grand-Daughter Skye and Sister-in-Law Brenda. Parents and two Siblings as Brenda and Bruce preceded Tena in death. Also, left to cherish and honor Tena’s life with precious memories are a host of dear and loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, family, extended family, caregivers and friends, all of whom are too countless to name.

Tributes

MS. TENA MARIE BYRD

March 19, 1967 - December 2, 2023