Hazel Christine (Mitchem) Tessenar

Hazel Christine Mitchem Tessenar, lovingly known as Tina by all who knew her, went to her heavenly home with Jesus on September 1st, 2026 at the age of 68. Tina was born in Gaston County, the daughter of the late David Oates and Anna Coley Mitchem. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by six of her siblings: Joe, David (Bull), Jimmy, Gaytonia, Nadine, and Bobby.

Those left to cherish her memory are Mike Tessenar, her devoted husband of 45 years; her children, Michael Tessenar (Amanda) and Summer McQueen (Michael); her grandchildren, Piper and Callen; her sister, Darlene Holloman (Garry); her brother, Danny Mitchem; her close friend, Billie Stowe Cagle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tina was a member of Second Baptist Church where she served faithfully on several committees as well as had the joy of being the kindergarten Sunday school teacher for 30 years. She adored children, and especially enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren. She never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone she met. She truly had a servant’s heart in everything she did.

Tina loved her family dearly and was always there to support them, cheer them on and to pray for them. Some of her favorite activities were sitting on the porch swing singing along to music, going for rides on the motorcycle with her husband, completing crossword puzzles, playing in the yard with her grandkids and attending their ball games, and going to the beach on family vacations.

We would like to sincerely thank the memory care staff at Morningside of Gastonia as well as Carolina Caring Hospice and Palliative Care. The exceptional care you have provided and the kindness you have shown to our family have truly been a blessing.

A service to celebrate Tina’s life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the children’s department at Second Baptist Church in Mount Holly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hazel Christine (Mitchem) Tessenar, please visit our floral store.