Class Is In Session
School started on December 28th with the headmasters being Burl, Sr. and Ellen Mathis, who preceded her in death.

Spring Break
While on Spring Break, she fell in love with the Golden Glove Boxer, The Late Dr. Louis Levi Tisdale, who forever changed her life! Relocating from Fort Worth, TX to Tulsa, OK in 1968 was a major shift in destiny. Following her Pastor husband, she faithfully and lovingly served as First Lady at Antioch Baptist Church, Morris, OK; Liberty Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK and finally, Friendship Church, Tulsa, OK (First Mother).

Recess
During recess six children were added to this union: Brenda Joyce Collins (Floyd Lee) Ft. Worth, TX; Larry Grant (Anna) Raleigh, NC; Dannie Rue (Charlene) Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Weldon Louis, Sr. (Demetria) Tulsa; William Lyn, Sr. (Shari) and Wayman Lawrence, Sr. {waiting in Glory} (Regina). She taught them, without textbook or chalkboard, to have good manners and excellent behavior! Long before time-out, her 'stare and sharp finger-pointing' would correct the most contrary actions. She believed in an "iron switch and a soft heart."

Home Economics Class
For many years Momma Tiz cared for others' homes as well as her own with such excellence that queens would be envious. Through the entire process, she diligently taught and demonstrated womanhood to her daughter while teaching her sons how to treat a lady and how to be men.
She taught her granddaughters how to be "seen and not heard." She also told them that "pretty is as pretty does" and "do not sing at the table" along with an unending list of memorable colloquialisms. She told her grandsons to value education because "bouncing that ball will only take you so far."
She had a special section at the front of the class for her grandchildren! Brenda and the boys often commented to Granny about how firm she was with them, but how she allowed the grandchildren to run a bit (actually much) more freely. All while using each episode as a teachable moment. Long before technology, she was teaching 'progressive thinking' and the importance of continually moving forward.
Study Hall
For numerous years, Sis. Tisdale was heavily involved in the Youth Department, as the Youth Director. Under her direction, students learned about living Christ-like, how to conduct themselves in public, important life skills, speaking clearly and of course they traveled to various parts of the state and country! Youth Conferences and Conventions were the icing on the cake for good attendance and participation. This was the time where she was able to impact the students outside the classroom; equipping them with knowledge and encouragement. Wouldn't you have loved to have been in her class?
Extracurricular Activities
Momma Tiz was an active member of the Seasoned Saints, where she looked forward to their various activities. She enjoyed the outings with her 'birthday group' and loved sitting with the Culinary Arts department as they prepared their work, politely saying…add a dash of this and a sprinkle of that… She also enjoyed cooking at home for the folks that loved her, our requests, were as good as done; with a few unannounced rewards, (enter) the Banana Pudding!! Up until March 1, 2013, the 'road-runner' loved traveling and assisting those that needed transportation to their various appointments! She could be seen at any given moment all over the city. She found joy in going to the YMCA, where it was a major feat for her to walk 'up' the stairs to go get her work-out on!

Graduation
'Tizzy' was promoted on Friday, May 24, 2013. There to see her in her cap and gown is her husband, Louis Levi and her son, Wayman L.Tisdale, Sr.! She leaves behind lesson plans for those that await His arrival; her mantra... "I don't want anything between my soul and my Savior."

Her services will commence on Thursday May 30, 2013 at 10:00 A.M.. at Friendship Church on North Madison in Tulsa.

Friends may view "Momma Tiz" on Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Following will be An Evening of Remembrance celebrating through words and song at 7:00 P.M. for Mrs. Deborah Mathis-Tisdale at the Friendship Church.