Alva Tinsley

Elegance comes from being as beautiful inside as outside; It is a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste ~ It is not about being noticed, It’s about being remembered. Elegance increases with age ~ it is timeless. Elegance is Alva Mae Tinsley On Sunday, March 7, 1938 in Midland Texas a beautiful baby girl was born to Brunetta and Oliver Lee. She was the “youngest” of her 4 siblings ~ Billy Joe, Oliver, Erma Jean and Lavone. Her parents named her after her mother’s sister ~ Alva Mae. Being the youngest, Alva was loved dearly and protected by her older siblings who affectionately called her, “Sista”. Alva accepted Christ at an early age. The Lee family were dedicated members of the Mount Rose Baptist Church in Midland, Texas where Alva sang in the choir. Alva was educated in Midland and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in1956. During her tenure at Georgia Washington Carver High School, Alva was involved in the Arts, Dramatics and the Typing Clubs. Her sister Lavone stated, “Sista was not involved in any sports, yet she was always drawn to fashion and things of beauty. She loved music and loved to (and could truly) dance! In June 1958, Alva decided to accept the invitation of her namesake, Aunt Mae to relocate to the Mile-High City of Denver, Colorado. Upon arrival, Alva continued her education by studying at Barnes Business School. Alva found employment at Sherman’s Creamery where her love for ice cream escalated. After some time, Alva’s love of fashion found her employed at The Neusteter Company, ~ which was located at 720 16th Street, a large feat during that time period for an African American Woman. Later in life, Alva worked for Chevron Oil; Martin Marietta and retiring in 2002 from Arthur Anderson, an accounting firm. Alva married Robert (Bobby) H. Tinsley, (whom she met while working at Sherman’s Creamery) on September 28, 1963. At the time of her demise they had been married 54 years and 4 months. Alva and Bobby loved one another deeply and shared a love for travel. They visited numerous states within the US; traveled abroad to Paris, France; London, England and other locations across the globe to include cruises. Alva also enjoyed her travels to Central City with friends. Alva and Bobby’s family consisted of 3 sons, Randal, Timothy and Raphael who were the apple of their Mother’s eye. Alva believed Proverbs 22:6 â₦ “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. Alva was a devoted mother who ensured that her sons knew the Lord. They gave their lives to Christ, were regulars at Sunday School and participated in youth ministry activities. Alva always accompanied her sons to church on Sunday. She expected the best from each of them and loved preparing their favorite meals to include baking cookies and pies. Alva was proud of her sons ~ 3 exceptional young men! With Randal living in another state and Timothy deceased, Rafael lovingly took on the immense responsibility of serving as the Care Giver for both his parents ~ a job well done! Alva adored her grandchildren. Alva joined Central Baptist Church in 1963 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. W. O. Mays, Sr. She recently received her 50 plus year pin for being a dedicated 55-year member who shared her time and talent liberally wherever and whenever asked. Alva was an active member of the Senior Warriors of Central Baptist Church, served as Co-Chair of Finances for the 126th Church Anniversary and was a longtime member of the “Back-to-School Ministry for the Youth of Central. Alva loved people, had a passion for traveling and cooking (especially for others), and spending quality time with family and friends. Alva cherished the time that she shared with her sister, Lavone and her best friend Betty Jones. Betty and Alva’s friendship began in 1957 ~ Alva commented that in her 61 years of knowing Betty, they had never had a cross word with one another. She loved her sister Lavone and her dear friend, Betty with all her heart. “If you enjoy the fragrance of a rose, you must accept the thorns which it bears” Approximately ten years ago, Alva was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although MS comes with serious, often debilitating side effects, Alva refused to let it change her sweet, gentle persona. She never complained, continued doing the things she loved, was always happy and stood ready and willing to help others ~ putting their needs ahead of her own. Alva was full of grace, humility, charm, laughter and lots of love. At 12:50 a.m. Sunday Morning, January 7, 2018 ~ Alva caught a glimpse of her mansion on high and decided to leave the cares of this old world behind. She took the hand of our Lord and Savior and joined her parents Brunetta and Oliver Lee, her brothers Billy Joe and Oliver Jr., her sister Erma Jean; son, Timothy and her loving aunt, Alva Mae Eaton. Alva leaves behind a rich legacy of family and friends. Her husband of 54 years Robert H. Tinsley; two sons~ Randal Tinsley, Chicago, IL and Raphael Tinsley, Denver, CO; one sister, Lavone Davis, Denver, CO; six grandchildren~ Javon Carter (Ronneshia); David Tinsley; Ahkishajuan Tinsley; Jocelyn Tinsley and Aaliyah Tinsley all of Denver, CO; and Nicolette Tinsley, Las Vegas, NV; 12 great-grandchildren; two nephews; five nieces, extended family, church family and many loving friends. If roses grow in heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for us; Place them in Alva’s arms and tell her they are from us. Tell her that we love and miss her, and when she turns to smile ~ Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, we’ll do it every day ~ But there’s an ache within our heart, that will never go away. With an eternal love, The Family of Alva Mae Tinsley

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 843 West 100th Place Northglenn, Colorado
Visitation: 1/14/2018 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 1/15/2018 at 11:00 AM - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 1/15/2018 - Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO