Life’s Reflections
R osalind Ann Holloway Tunstall (Sorry, Mama. We needed to put your whole name in here at least once.) was born to Rosa Lee and Robert Holloway, Sr. on April 6, 1950, in Dyersburg, Tennessee. She is the second of seven children born to the union. She was raised in Tabernacle Baptist and Pilgrim Rest Baptist churches.
She graduated from Dyersburg High School and continued her education at the University of Tennessee at Martin. While at UT Martin, she and eight other young women chartered the Eta Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in May 1970. Upon graduation from UT Martin, Rosalind continued her education at Memphis State University, completing her Master’s Degree by age 21. She began her teaching career at Kingsbury High School. She met and fell in love with Robert Tunstall, Jr. (there’s a trend with the name Robert), and the two married on August 16, 1975. Two children were born to the union– me (Karen Elaine) on Mother’s Day 1977 and David Allen on Father’s Day 1982 (yep, the couple really is THAT cute). Mama and Daddy decided that Mama would take some time off from teaching to be home with their young family. And she did just that. But she was not a homebody or a housewife. Mama joined the sewing circle at Sea Isle School, where she made friends for life. She began sewing the most beautiful clothing for her young children. People would inquire about purchasing her work, and she would tell them that she only sewed for her children. (Daddy encouraged her to start a clothing business. “We could make the big bucks, Ros!” She rolled her eyes and said, “Whatever.”) She taught David and me to read and write before we started kindergarten. We had no idea what a preschool was. (Didn’t everyone learn at home?) Once we were in elementary school, Mama went back to teaching. This time she taught part-time so she could be home with us after school. She taught business operations at what was then State Technical Institute at Memphis, and she continued teaching when State Tech became Southwest Community College. When I was seven years old, Mama put me in Girl Scouts. It was life-changing for both of us. Shortly after that, she became a leader and began her nearly 25-year journey of ushering hundreds of girls into womanhood. She was a remarkable leader, taking us girls on a trip every single summer and exposing us to experiences we may have never had otherwise, including Canada, Europe, and Hawaii. She took girls camping and taught them how to cook over an open flame. She taught us teamwork, resilience, and determination. We sold cookies each year, which taught us business skills (What’s the best place for a cookie booth? What are the peak hours for sales? What is our spiel?!) Most importantly, she taught us to love ourselves and each other. We learned we could do anything we put our mind to because Mrs. Tunstall said so. tAnyone who knows my Mama knows how much she loves my daddy. She once told me that if he said they needed to live under a bridge, she would gladly pack her bags. (Thankfully, Daddy never felt that bridge life calling him).
For Mama, family was everything. She was at every track meet David ran (he ran cross-country, and she sometimes sat for hours waiting and supporting her son). She protected us without question. (David, remember the first time you rode the MATA bus to high school, and she followed behind the bus to make sure you did not get lost?) Mama was always there. Whether you wanted her there or not. Anyone who knows my Mama knows how much she loves my daddy. She once told me that if he said they needed to live under a bridge, she would gladly pack her bags. (Thankfully, Daddy never felt that bridge life calling him). In her later years, Mama developed a love for TV cooking shows, especially the competition shows. She would watch and learn new techniques to incorporate into her own cooking. Never had I heard of haricots verts or a bechamel sauce. (You mean green beans? Cheese sauce?) Mama knew all about it. And we ate all of it. She also developed a love for the Amazing Race. Good grief, did she love that show. She got my Aunt Deborah into it, and they would watch together, calling each other during the commercial breaks to discuss their gripes or joy with whatever transpired during each segment. My daddy and my brother and I thought it was hilarious. Mama and Aunt Deborah were serious about this competition and invested in the outcome. It was one of the ways they remained connected and loved each other from a distance. Mama was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Yvonne Bynum and Yvette Arterbridge. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Robert, daughter Karen Hartridge, son David Tunstall, forever son-in-law Jimmie Hartridge, grandchildren Jymia, and James Ryan Hartridge, great-grandchild Raegan Bagwell, sisters Deborah Overton and Doris Cox, brothers Robert Holloway, Jr., William Holloway, and James Holloway, sister-in-law Ruby Holloway, sister-cousin Jacqueline Yates (Smokey) and godsister Deborah Marks (Prentiss). She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends she adored.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
Order of Service Saturday, June 4, 2022 • 1:30 P.M.
The Healing Center 3885 Tchulahoma Road Memphis, Tennessee 38118
Opening Prayer......................Reverend Nanci Gibson
Expressions:
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Girl Scouts Heart of the South Southwest Community College Family & Friends
Words of Comfort....................Reverend Nanci Gibson Closing Prayer & Benediction
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