Cheryl Y. Tinsley

Zoom Information as follows: Personal Meeting ID 444 458 0318 Passcode: Tinsley
Cheryl Tinsley, a devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, educator, and woman of faith, passed away suddenly at the age of 72. She was born on March 2, 1953, in Washington, D.C., where she spent her early years surrounded by a loving family that instilled in her a deep appreciation for education, faith, and the arts. She loved her parents deeply, often reminiscing about her father and mother who she referred to as "mommy and daddy."
Cheryl was a 1971 graduate of Calvin Coolidge High School located in Washington, D.C. She attended Adelphi University on Long Island in 1975, where she studied dance as an undergraduate before earning her master's degree in education in 1977. Her passion for learning and teaching guided her through a meaningful career as an educator, first as a second-grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary and later as a dedicated tutor for the Longwood School District and Stony Brook School. She touched the lives of countless students, inspiring them with her creativity, patience, and unwavering belief in their potential. Cheryl's commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she often went above and beyond to ensure her students had the resources and encouragement they needed to succeed.
Cheryl met the love of her life, Kenneth Tinsley Sr., with whom she built a home, and a life filled with warmth, love, and devotion. Together, they prioritized faith and created a nurturing environment for their son and her niece and nephew. A niece and nephew whom they took in and raised as their own. She instilled in them the importance of faith and prioritized a spiritual education. She ensured that they had access to quality education, as well as academic and enriching experiences. Their partnership was one of unwavering support, with Cheryl providing the steady foundation and quiet strength behind Ken's vibrant personality.
She had a heart for children beyond her own, often caring for those in need. Her compassion was evident in the small yet profound acts of kindness she performed, like helping a young student untangle and wash her hair at school, ensuring she felt seen and cared for. As a Girl Scout leader, she created memorable experiences for young girls, teaching them skills and values that would last a lifetime.
A woman of many talents, Cheryl was a creative soul who loved crafting, knitting, and decorating. She poured her artistic spirit into her teaching, designing elaborate bulletin boards and implementing unique classroom projects like poetry recitations and movie nights for her students. She loved crossword puzzles, word games, and playing the piano. Cheryl also had a deep appreciation for good food-her homemade Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, and legendary fish fries were cherished traditions that brought her family together.
Cheryl's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She found strength in her faith and actively met with her prayer and bible study group, every Wednesday, at 3pm, communing with her sisters in Christ: Verna, Mae, and Cindy. She set an example for all with her kindness, selflessness, and devotion to the Lord. Giving to others with no expectation of anything in return.
She was a beloved mother to Kenneth Tinsley Jr and a beloved aunt to Camila Rivera and Kevin Blayton (Martine Blayton), and a cherished mother-in-law to Courtney Renee Tinsley.
Cheryl adored her family and dedicated herself to her grandchildren Kenneth William Tinsley III 'Bubby' and Newton George Louis Tinsley 'Newty' and her great nieces Amaya Dorman and Sabine Edwidge Blayton and great nephew Remington Rhys Blayton focusing on their well-being, ensuring they grew up in an environment filled with faith, love, culture, and opportunity. Always anticipating her rolling date with Bubby and Newty every Friday night for Pizza at Peepaw and Gaga's.
She was also a caring sister to Andrea Laverne Council-Kelly and her husband Archie Kelly and their children Roy Kelly (nephew), Lauren Council (niece). A supportive sister to Brenda Carlota Blayton-Williams, and her half-sisters, Willie Ruth Council and Connie Joyce Council. She was a loving sister-in-law to Phylis Taylor and brother-in-law Robert Taylor, and their children Phylicia Taylor (niece), Robert Taylor (nephew), and Richard Taylor (nephew).
Cheryl is pre-deceased by her loving Husband of 45 years, Kenneth Tinsley, Sr., her father, William Morris Council and mother, Vivian Adele Eubanks-Council. Her in-laws Leroy and Alice Tinsley. Her Brother-in-law Richard Tinsley.
She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for Ken and her children, her dedication to education, and her compassionate heart. Her impact on the lives she touched-both in her family and in her community-will endure as a testament to the life she lived with love, purpose, and grace.
Cheryl's legacy will continue through her family, her friends, her students, and the countless lives she influenced with her kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A visitation and service will be held on Wednesday, March 5th, from 4pm to 7pm and Internment at Calverton National Cemetery on Thursday, March 6th, at 11am. For further details please visit the Bryant's Funeral Home Webpage.