Theodis Tensley's Obituary
We are gathered here to celebrate the life of Theodis Tensley, also affectionately known as Theo, Juke, and Teddy. Theo was born on April the 9th 1955 in Dekalb, Kemper to Clifton Moore and Rachel Parks. Although Clifton Moore was his biological father, his step-father John Tensley raised him as his own. Theo was the 7th child born out of 10 children. In 1974, Theo graduated from Davenport Central High School, known for their basketball team, The Central Blue Devils. It was on this basketball team, that his love of the game was conceived, developed, and he birthed. He naturally excelled at the game and after graduation, continued to play for Palmer Junior College in Davenport Iowa. It was there at Palmer Junior College where he earned his Associates Degree and soon afterwards, married Lori Crump. Together they conceived and gave birth to their son, Christian Crump-Tensley.
Theo joined the United States Army in 1982, where skillfully rose to the rank of Sargent. While serving, his duty stations included, Iraq, Hawaii, and Germany to name a few. While in the Army, Theo earned many medals. His medals include: The National Defense Medal, The Army Good Conduct Medal, and The Army Achievement Medal. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he settled in Tacoma, Washington.
Theo enjoyed working a variety of jobs. One such job that he especially enjoyed, was being a youth counselor. In this position, he was afforded the opportunity to work with at risk youth, where he taught them the importance of loving themselves and seeing their value; regardless of the challenges they faced. After his divorce, he met and began a longtime relationship with his girlfriend San Bowton. They spent many years together, making memories and sharing adventures together. In his spare time, Theo took great pleasure in playing games, reading, doing odd jobs around the house, cooking, and experimenting with new recipes; which he was at no loss finding willing Guiney pigs to try his delicious creations. He also availed himself to several hobbies including, collecting cars and riding his prized motorcycle.
Theo was also quite the jokester and was well known for his practical jokes, which tickled him so. His smile had the ability to light up a room and his big laugh was infectious and contagious. Theo had a big heart and was willing to help anyone in need, regardless of their social-economic class or history. Theo was the type of person that if he called you his friend, you were just that and he looked out and after his friends.
He delighted in spending time with his long-time next-door neighbor, Undra Simpson. The Simpson family affectionately adopted him as family and he did the same in return. Undra’s sons: Isaiah and Issaac tenderly referred to him as their uncle Theo. Because they were so close, it was not uncommon for them to speak daily. Theo was very highly spoken of and dearly loved by all who were blessed to know him. Some of his other close friends were, the McDowell family, Fred Harris, and Mr. Gepsen, who he referred to as “Dog-man”.
Theo began attending Inspiration Bible Church in 2012. During his first visit he came up for prayer. It was during prayer; that he was prophesied over and the Lord revealed that he had a spirit of death over his life. Theo did not disclose the true extent of his health issues but God always knows. It was clear that God put him in the right place because He knew he needed saving. When Theo tells this story he states that he knew coming to this church was his last option. He desperately wanted to change his life, and knew he was supposed to come up for prayer.
Although Theo battled many health crises', including but not limited to chronic asthma, multiple hospitalizations, and even brain surgery, God always brought him through. It was under the teaching of Pastors Greg and Starlene Martin where he truly fell in love with Jesus. His fire for Christ, inspired him to share the gospel with anyone that would listen. Theo rejoiced in sharing how the love of Jesus saved him from certain death and changed his life. His desire to have others experience this love was so great, that he would send out daily text messages to family and friends, with scriptures and words of encouragement.
Theo often made and blessed many people with his special dinners. His dinners usually included his famous ribs, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, and peach cobbler. Theo was the kind of person that would surprise you out the blue with a meal, a ride to work or church, and some uplifting godly words of wisdom that penetrated your soul and gave you just what you needed to stay in the good fight of faith.
Theo leaves behind his only son: Christian Crump-Tensley, his granddaughter: Gabriella Tensley and his grandson: Adison Tensley, his sisters: Willie Pearl Thomas and Ira Tensley-Thomas, his brothers: Nolan Tensley, Matthew Tensley, and David Tensley, all of which currently still reside in Davenport, Iowa. He also leaves behind his longtime girlfriend: San Bowton and all his brothers and sisters in Christ at Inspiration Bible Church. As well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his mother: Rachel Tensley and his step-father: John Tensley, his biological father: Clifton Moore, his sister: Annie Tensley, his brothers: Randell Nunn, James Nunn, and Johnny Tensley nicknamed Boottie, his special brothers-in-law: Dempsey Miller Sr., Dempsey Miller Sr., and Bishop Henry Thomas Sr., along with his special sister-in-law: Ruby Tensley. To all his family and friends, he will be dearly missed. Take comfort in knowing Theo is with his Lord and Savior. Remember, this is not GOODBYE … this is SEE YOU LATER. Rest in Peace Theodis Tensley. Sunrise: April the 9th, 1955 – Sunset: September 21st, 2022
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