Our mother, our rock, and our Prayer Angel, Birdee Tensley, was born on March 20, 1936, in Worth County, Georgia. She was the beloved daughter of the late Carrie and Jeff Lawson, Sr.

During the early years of her life, she received her formal education at Oak Hill School in Worth County.

From a very young age, Birdie was nurtured in the Word of God. As a youth, she began her Christian journey with the Lord at Mitchell Grove Baptist Church. Through the years, she was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, a member of the Choir and Usher Ministry, and she served unwaveringly as Mother of the Church under the leadership of Reverend John Swan, Jr. Mother Tensley was strong in her faith, in character, and in wisdom. She was a prayer warrior who dearly loved the Lord and stayed on the battlefield—always giving God the glory and praise.

She was united in holy matrimony to Collins Tensley, Sr. They were blessed with a loving family and taught them to be respectful and humble, to love one another, and to love and trust in the Lord. Devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, nurturing great grandmother and great-great grandmother, caring sister and aunt, and constant friend, Mother Tensley lived a rich and rewarding life. She had a deep sense of family loyalty, ties, and responsibilities; and she was a caregiver for her family—the "glue" that held them all together. Her home was a revolving door for friends and family, all of whom looked forward to her delectable and luscious baked treats—especially her cakes which earned her the coveted title of "The Cake Lady." Mother Tensley also enjoyed sewing and cooking.

Often described as a strong but gentle woman with a heart of gold, "Mother Tensley impacted many lives and families in the community. Because of her tireless efforts to remember and celebrate birthdays of family members, friends, and people from across Southwest Georgia; she became known as the "Radio Birthday Angel." No birthday went unnoticed while Mother Tinsley was on the air!

On Friday, December 28, 2018, Mother Tinsley was called from labor to reward. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Collins Tensley, Sr.; a grandchild, Chermie Lakey; and six siblings, Essie Jackson Mary Tolbert, Lillie Mae White, Arthur Lawson, Jeff Lawson, Jr., and Willie Jay Lawson.

She leaves a legacy of love and fond memories to be cherished by her loving children, Collins (Jackie) Tensley, Jr. of Albany, GA, Kenneth (Shelly) Tensley of Bluffton, SC, LaRuth (Otis) Williams and Phyllis Young of Sylvester, GA, and Kemia (Dedric) Sumlin of Albany, GA; a special grandson, McKenzie Jackson of Sylvester; eighteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; three siblings, R. T. Lawson of Doerun, GA, and Rebecca Harris and Vella Greene of Albany, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends