Marva Jo Tennison-Smith, a beloved Mother, Matriarch, Sister, Aunt, Advisor, and devoted servant of GOD, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith. She was born on August 10, 1944, in Terrell, Texas, Marva was the fifth of eight children born to Willie Haskell Tennison, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Tennison.

From a early age, Marva professed her love for CHRIST and became a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Terrell, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor Mims in the mid-1950, she moved to Dallas, Texas, and became a member of Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor J.C. Huey, where she served faithfully for many, many years as a Usher, and dedicated choir member.

Marva started her professional career in the mid-1960, at Texas Instruments as a Data Entry Specialist, where she worked for many years. She then joined American Express Inc, as a remittance processor, until she retired in 2002.

Marva's pride and joy was her family, especially her two son's Byron, and Tony, if you talked to her long enough, she was going to start speaking about her boys and how proud she was of both of them, then she would tell you how proud she was of her Grandchildren, speaking with pride and joy, with a big beautiful smile on her face.

In retirement, Marva found immense joy in spending time with her children, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sister, nieces and nephews.

Marva had a passion for helping others, singing, and sharing the goodness of GOD with everyone she met. Her warm heart, infectious smile, boundless generosity, and LOVE for her family made her a cherished presence in the lives of so many.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Willie Haskell Tennison, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Tennison; her sisters, Massie Mae Turner Tennison, Anna Lois Leaks Tennison and Donna Rae Maize Tennison; and  her brother, Franklin Delano Tennison.

Marva leaves to cherish her children, Byron Tennison (Sonja) of DeSoto, Tx; Tony Tennison (Cheryl) of Mesquite, Tx; sister, Sheria Pope (Larry) of Dallas, Tx; brothers, Willie Haskell Tennison, Jr. of Mesquite, Tx and Carl Tennison of Glenn Heights, Tx; four grandchildren, Byron D. Tennison, Taylor Tennison, Tony L. Tennison, Jr. and Anthony Tennison; one great-grandson, Dallas Tennison, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Marva Jo Tennison-Smith will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her compassionate spirit, and her enduring love for her family, friends, and everyone who she came in contact with. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.