Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Faustina Van Tench, our beloved and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and special friend, passed away peacefully at the home of her granddaughter and by her granddaughter’s side on February 22, 2023, in Ashburn, VA. She was supremely blessed with 103 years on this earth!

Faustina was born on July 22, 1919, in Grant Town, WV, to Cornelius Thompson and Nina Thompson Smith and was the oldest of 10 children.

Faustina, in addition to her parents, was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lee Tench; son, Charles H. Tench; daughter, Philomena Tench Hale; sisters, Bertha Hickman, Mildred Bailey, Barbara Jo Spencer, Bernice Calloway; and grandson, Scott D. Hairston.

Faustina attended Stratton High School, Beckley, WV and was a member of St. John Baptist Church when she lived previously in Stotesbury, WV. Most recently, she attended First Baptist Church of North Beckley, WV, where she was the Mother of the Church, a member of the Usher Board, President of the Mission Society, and a Sunday school teacher. She was also a champion for the North Beckley Community where she resided.

Tina enjoyed bowling, working word search puzzles, writing encouraging uplifting letters to everyone, talking on the telephone imparting her words of wisdom to others, serving in her church where needed, lending a hand to anyone in need of help, and simply spreading and receiving joy from those with whom she interacted.

Faustina truly never met a stranger, and she never complained about her circumstances. Her favorite saying was “I Got No Right to Complain”. She looked forward to spending holidays and birthdays with her son, Doug and his wife, Jenean and treasured special trips to visit her granddaughter, Pam and her husband, Andre. She often said that Jenean and Pam treated her like a princess. She also enjoyed spending quality time with her grandson, Richard, who was like a son to her, and his girlfriend, Crystal. She shared a special bond with her sister Zelma, 101, and loved talking with her practically every day, even though they were miles apart. She often spoke of wanting to take care of her sister and their living together and enjoying one another’s company. She cherished many special relationships – too many to name each one. She was often hoarse from talking for hours each day but felt if someone took the time to call that she should take the time to listen. She instinctively knew what each person needed to hear. This was her special gift from God. She loved her life and thankfully lived it to the fullest each day. With grace and love, she touched many lives in an incredibly special and unique way. She will truly live in our memory and hearts forever.

Faustina is survived by her son Doug (Jenean); two brothers C.V and Kent (Yvonne); sister, Zelma; grandchildren, Tonia (Miles), Pam (Andre), Tara (Kenny), Skip (Angie), D.J. (Naomi), Ricky (Crystal), Kammie (Torie), Nate and Jayla; great-grandchildren Monique, Kiera, Dee Dee, J Bari, Micah, L. J., Lucas, Brandi, Richard, and Jsiah; several great-great grandchildren; a host of relatives and friends; adopted sons Papa, Wayne, and Phillip; and several other adopted sons and daughters.

Funeral service will be 12:00Noon Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of North Beckley 110 Ellis St. North Beckley with Revs. James Cox and Philip Copney Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.