Tina Lynn Slater

THE LEGACY OF "BIRD"

Tina Lynn Slater, was born February 3, 1957, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Richard Robinson and Ruby C. Slater. Tina grew up in Mendenhall, Mississippi, where she attended Harper Vocational School and Mendenhall High School. She became a member of Nazareth Baptist Church where she taught Vacation Bible School and later joined Mt. Moriah Church of God in Christ.

As a child, Tina's love of music led her to play the clarinet in the Mendenhall Tiger Marching Band. As a young adult, she loved playing softball and was the bat catcher and first baseman for the well known Mendenhall Superstars softball team. She was also an avid reader and owned a vast collection of books.

Tina worked at Universal Magnetek and volunteered at the Mendenhall Ministries as a secretary. After trying many different jobs, she found her niche in her mother's kitchen. She was known for her legendary "Tina Burger."

Known to many as 'Bird,' Tina was outgoing and outspoken and never met a stranger. Whether she knew you for two hours or two years, she never minced her words and didn't mind telling you what was on her mind. Her bold and honest nature made it easy for her to be loved and respected amongst many young and old. Later, Tina moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, and very quickly garnered the same respect. There she quickly made plenty of friends, some of which became like family.

Because of her five children, nieces and nephews, there were always children around. She was quickly labeled by the community as, "Momma Tina." She loved to give orders just as much as she loved to cook. Momma Tina had a way of making everyone feel welcomed.  Her sometimes unorthodox yet honest approach kept her going as she loved life and lived it unapologetically.  Tina spent some time in a nursing home in Byram but to the amazement of everyone Tina gained her strength and started walking and was determined to leave so she could return to the community she loved.

Momma Tina had five children of her own but was a mother to many.  She leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Faith of Indianapolis, Indiana, Emily of Jackson, Mississippi, Toneasha, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Marques (Stacy) of Jackson, Mississippi and Gwayne of Indianapolis, Indiana; her grandchildren, Amber (Sarah) McDowell, Carlos Shane, Jr, Khalil Patton, Marques Mathias Malik, Aubrey Lynn West, DaNesha, Patrick, Tre'Darrel and Alexander Slater who preceded her in death; her great grandchildren, who were the joy of her life, JoElla, JoEmilya and JoElmarie Palmer, Cameron Alexander Shane, Leah London, Addison, KV, ZZ and Kadereon; her siblings, Calvin (Rose) Slater of Houston, Texas, Randy (Pam) Slater of Norfolk, Virginia, Wanda Hayes of Byram, Mississippi, and Pamelar (Johnnie) McKnuckles of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Walter Ray (Shirley) Slater who also preceded her in death.

Momma Tina had a special relationship with several of her nieces and nephews, Edrick Washington, Kenisyia Slater, Danasha (Jamyal) Richards, Alesia Slater-Wright (Chris), Ryan Dixon,  Walter Ray Slater, II (Tyrannula), Phylicia Slater, Rayfeal Slater, Desyinee Slater, Zariana Slater, Muranda Lofton, Jeremy Slater, Gabriel White, Tymeka Slater, Mykle Slater, Kendall Bullock and Rashaad Hawthorne who preceded her in death.

The Quarters sadly lost an important member on July 12, 2022 The many stories and laughs will continue to live on not only with our family but will live in the hearts of all she considered as her children. Momma Tina was so loved and cared for by her many of you and we thank each and everyone of you who took their time whether you called, came to check on her daily or stopped by every once in a while, to speak.  Your love and thoughtfulness was never unnoticed and we would like to take this time to mention you by name: Bryce Mills, Darian Riley, David Posey, Darryl Posey, Charles Walker, Tremain Lott, Darrell Lott, Raheem Lockhart, Rahman Lockhart, Kenyon Camper, Damion Walker, Randy Barbee, Deidrick Washington, Darrell Washington, Corey Miley, Demetic  Newsome, Erich Newsome, Shane Stuckey, Caleb Stuckey, Frank Stuckey Lavon Williams, Marcus Allen, Derek Taylor, David Green, Micheal Harrison Green, Marcus Cameron and Octavious "Phatlove" Drummond.  Special thanks to Akela, Caleb, and Belle, and Frank Stuckey for always being good neighbors. Lastly, special thanks to Marquita Hubbard and Margie Durr for helping to care for her in the final days.