Tessie Nelda Prevost Williams

1954 - 2024

Tessie Nelda Prevost was born at Charity Hospital on September 26, 1954, to Dorothy Mackey Prevost and the late Charles Henry Prevost, Jr. She accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at a very early age and was christened, baptized and joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Dwight Williams, all at Branch Bell Baptist Church. Tessie Prevost was one of four 6-year-old girls who became the first African Americans to desegregate formerly white only public elementary schools in New Orleans and the Deep South. On November 14, 1960, with world-wide attention set on the city of New Orleans, Ruby Bridges, Gail Etienne, Tessie Prevost and Leona Tate (The New Orleans Four), escorted by U.S. Federal Marshals, wearing yellow armbands, desegregated two schools. As America's Little Soldier Girls, they played an integral and pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, sparking the inspiration for the Children's Crusade of 1963. On November 14, 2023, for their 63rd anniversary, Governor John Bel Edwards signed the official statement in support of the City Council of New Orleans proclaiming November 14th – New Orleans Four Day. Inspired by the newfound recognition and honors, in October 2023, at 69 years of age, Tessie became Chief Operating Officer of her own company, New Orleans Four, LLC., partnering with her childhood friend and fellow classmate, Gail Etienne who serves as Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Prevost and Ms. Etienne committed themselves to preserving and protecting the history and legacy of The New Orleans Four. Before her passing, Tessie and Gail partnered with the industry professionals who paid it forward to ensure that the story of The New Orleans Four would never be lost in history again. They planned to release a host of projects with the launch of The New Orleans Four Legacy Collection and their Serving Black Girl Magic since 1960 brand and initiative. On May 14, 2024, Tessie Prevost, Gail Etienne, and Leona Tate were invited to be honored by the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights for the 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board. All three of them were slated to fly to Washington D.C. to be honored by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of Education, Miquel Cardona. Due to her illness, Tessie was unable to fly with Gail & Leona. Before her illness, Tessie Prevost-Williams continued to lend herself in service to the community of New Orleans and LaPlace, LA with hopes that by sharing their story and school experiences, she would inspire the next generation to pick up the torch to protect and continue the movement toward equitable opportunities and racial harmony. Tessie, a child soldier, a civil rights pioneer, an activist for justice and a businesswoman and entrepreneur, profoundly stressed a quality and equitable education as the key to success and achievements. "Education unleashes the past and paves the path of the future." Mrs. Prevost Williams lived in LaPlace, LA, was a faithful member of Rising Star Baptist Church and a former president of the usher board at Branch Bell Baptist Church. She passed away surrounded by her immediate family and loved ones on Saturday July 6, 2024 at the age of 69. In addition to her mother, Tessie is also survived by a sister, Tory Prevost (D'Wayne Hulbert); niece, Deja Monique Hulbert; nephew, Derius Prevost Hulbert; Godchild, Ahtika Monique Merricks; cousin, who was like a sister, Sharon Merricks; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Williams Grimble, Shirley Williams and Brenda Brock Williams; lifelong friends, Civil Rights Pioneers, Gail Etienne and Leona Tate, as well as a host of other family and friends. In addition to her husband and father, Tessie is also preceded in death by her beloved grandmothers, Dora Prevost and Arie Ruth Mackey. A Celebration service honoring the life and legacy of the late Mrs. Tessie Prevost Williams will be held at Branch Bell Baptist Church, 1231 St. Maurice Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117 on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 10 am. Visitation 8 am in the church. Interment Rising Star Baptist Church Cemetery, LaPlace, LA. Please sign online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411.