Zontennia Coutri Givens Garner was born December 30, 1949, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. From birth, Zontennia lived with her Aunt Sarah Jean Walker until the age of ten. Zontennia lovingly referred to her Aunt Sarah as “Little Mama.” At the age of ten, she returned to Muskogee.

“Tina,” as she was affectionately called, attended the Muskogee Public School System. She proudly graduated from the historic Manual Training High School in the mighty Class of 1968. While attending high school, she was a cheerleader for the football and basketball teams and participated in track and field. One of her greatest honors was being named Band Queen in 1966, during her sophomore year. After graduating from high school, she attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Her work history included Southwestern Bell and the Tulsa Public School System, where she worked at the Early Childhood Development Center and Booker T. Washington High School. At Booker T. Washington, she was Site Treasure for the school and Coordinator of the school bookstore. Tina also worked for Bank of Oklahoma for 20 years, where her last position was Branch Manager at the Springdale Branch.

Zontennia also owned and operated her own catering company, “Coutri’s Catering Service.” Boy, could she put her foot in any kind of food she prepared! Anyone who ever tasted her peach cobbler and Italian cream cake thought they were in another world.

Tina met the love of her life, Larry Alan Garner, in grade school, but their relationship blossomed during her junior year of high school, when Larry was a senior at the same school. Larry and Tina remained together ever since. They were married on September 18, 1970, and recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and then moved to Tulsa in 1972. In 1973, they joined Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. T. Oscar Chappelle, Sr. They remained faithful and active members of Morning Star for 53 years.

Tina was very active in her beloved church. She sang in the Gospel Chorus, was a leader in the Culinary Arts Department, served as a greeter, and was a former Cub Scout leader.

Tina was the proud mother of three loving and devoted sons: Rodney, Christopher, and Shaun. Tina and Larry also opened their hearts and home to many other children. They were a source of refuge for several young people, providing guidance and direction to enrich each of their lives. So many young people lovingly called her “Mama Tina.”

The Garners had six grandchildren: Ria, Khamron, Adrianne, Angelena, Gabriel, and Kaydence. They also had two great-granddaughters, Aaliyah and Kamdyn, and one great grandson, Khrome.

Zontennia leaves to cherish her memory her devoted and loving husband of 56 years, Larry, of the home; sons Rodney (Paula), Broken Arrow; Christopher (Deborah), Tulsa; and Shaun (Amaris), Tulsa.

Zontennia is also survived by one sister, Chris Morris (Chuck), Lawndale, California; and five brothers: Phil Givens (Mary), Muskogee; Randolph Givens (Sharon), Muskogee; Clarence Givens, Muskogee; Anthony Givens, Muskogee; and David Givens (Franchelle), Muskogee. She also leaves her godson, Rev. Andre Hughes of Tulsa, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tina’s parents, Frank and Lillian Clark Givens, preceded her in death, along with her nephew, Dustin Givens.

Tina’s generous heart, beautiful smile, and loving spirit will truly be missed.

Mrs. Zontennia Garner after 76 Seasons was given Her Crown of Glory on the Morning of Monday September 21, 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Services for Mrs. Garner will be Saturday October 10, 2026 at 10AM at Morning Star Baptist Church in Tulsa.

Interment will follow at Booker T. Washington Cemetery - Muskogee.

Visitation will take place Friday October 9, 2026 from 11AM - 6PM at Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. - Tulsa Chapel.

Flowers may be ordered via Lakeland Florist (918) 687-7574