Mrs. Tissurene Casey

Tissurene (McGhee) Casey was born on June 21, 1925, in Valdosta, Georgia to Richard and Alma (Jenkins) McGhee. She was the fourth child of nine born to this union. Our Lord lifted her from this earthly life on Thursday, November 25, 2021, at the blessed age of 96 years. She often told the story of how her mother gave birth to seven girls in a row, (they were called the seven sisters) and then gave birth to two sons. The family relocated to Ozark, Alabama during her early years, and that is the place she called home. Tissurene married the love of her life Thomas James Casey; they shared 56 years of marriage. They were proud and the devoted parents of eight children, Vivian, Jeanette, Delores, Thomas Jr., Willie, Charles, Vernida and Tonya. She loved taking care of her family and exemplified the spirit of Proverbs 31:10-31. Mrs. Casey was a faithful wife and mother who loved her family and emphasized the importance of family, sharing and education. She was a hardworking woman who sacrificed for her family. While raising her children, she returned to school earning her diploma and graduated with honors from Adult Education St. Joseph High School. She prepared home cooked meals from scratch, she kept a spotless house and often sewed clothing for her family and others. She made sure that her children not only attended church, but she also taught the importance of being an active member. Mother Tissurene Casey was a devout Christian woman with a loving heart who faithfully served the Lord and was active in the community. She often said, “Do what you can, while you can '' and she lived by those words. After moving to Saginaw from Alabama in 1953 the Casey family joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. William Burkett was pastor. Deacon and Deaconess Casey continued serving there faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Roosevelt Mosley. Later, in 1992 they united with Clearstone First Baptist Church under the pastorship of their son, Rev. Dr. Willie F. Casey. Mother Casey was a proud steadfast member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where her son Dr. Casey is pastor. She has served the church at local, state, and national levels holding offices and positions throughout the years. She was present at the beginning of the Saginaw Valley Baptist District Association and served as the first Historian. She was the president of the Saginaw Valley Baptist District Deaconess Association for more than 12 years, served as one of the song leaders for the District Sessions, a member of the District Nurses Guild and was involved with the Saginaw Valley District Mission Union. In her local church she was a Deaconess assisting with communion and other duties, she was an advisor for the youth, she enjoyed making robes for baptism and lap blankets. She often made uniforms for church functions and dresses for choir anniversaries. She was a member of the Nurses Guild Ministry, the Missionary Society, the Senior and Mass Choirs, worked with the planning committee for Vacation Bible School and had great fun working as the activity’s director. She served in the church’s Kitchen Ministry and helped to prepare delicious meals that everyone enjoyed. In 1978, Mrs. Casey became a member of the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Saginaw, Zeta Omega Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She held several offices and positions, and was voted as “Amicae of The Year” on several occasions. She volunteered in the schools, helped with fundraisers, and assisted in various capacities. Celebrating Mother Casey’s life and cherishing her memory are five children, Jeanette Parker, Delores Casey McNair, Dr. Willie (Ida) Casey and Vernida Casey, all of Saginaw, MI and Dr. Tonya (Solomon, Jr.) Patray of Ypsilanti, MI; one sister, Thelma Brookins of Piscataway, NJ and one brother, Joseph Donald McGhee (Janice Rene) of Washington, D.C.; sister-in-law, LaVettie McGhee; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Rose) Burney, Tatia Moore, Dr. Lavedita (Timothy) Murphy, Oona Bey-Outlaw, Tai Parker, Ebony McNair, Darrick Casey, Brian Casey, Antanette Casey, Avis Casey, Erin Van Casey, Jeremy (Demetrice) Casey, Cameron Casey and Solomon Patray, III; great-grandchildren, Lamar Casey, Sr., Marquisha, Ke’Monee, Marquavis and Brandon Casey, Adarees Black, Yohanas and Jozlynn Moore, Jordan Martin-McNair, Jalen McNair, Briana Casey, Savion Omar, Jeremy, Jr. and James Casey; 11 great-great-grandchildren; two god-daughters, Brenda Screws, and LaTonya McCaley-Edgar; special cousins, Marie Mathews and family; extended family member, Carl Everett Mosley and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, her New Hope Baptist Church family and special friends. Deaconess Casey was preceded in death by her loving and faithful husband, Deacon Thomas J. Casey, Sr.; children, Vivian Casey, Thomas Casey, Jr. and Charles Casey; grandson, Jimmie Parker, Jr.; granddaughter, Shantal Casey; her parents, Richard (Alma) McGhee, Sr.; siblings, Mary Walker, Sally McCleod, Marjorie Holmes, Alma Jenkins, Katie Ramseur and Richard McGhee, Jr. A special thank you to Dr. Altamash Amin, and the nurses of Compassus Hospice Care (Sarah, Cassie, Melissa, Mary, and Karen) who provided compassionate care for our mother. Much love and appreciation to the entire Casey family, with warmest gratitude to Demetrice and Jeremy Casey, Sr., Cameron Casey, Lavedita Murphy, and Ida Casey for all the love and tender care provided to our Matriarch. Funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607. Dr. Willie F. Casey will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 on Wednesday from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. Those wanting to share memories of Mother Casey please join the family between 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Mrs. Tissurene Casey

June 21, 1925 - November 25, 2021