Tena Boulware Qualls
May 3, 1915 - March 30, 2001
"A Woman of Gracious Hospitality"
Tena was the seventh child born to James and Alberta Boulware. She was born in Fairfield County, South Carolina on May 3, 1915. Tena lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her family lovingly called her "sister". Tena was married twice, but no children were born to either unions. Although she never gave birth to any children, she had been a mother to several foster children. She had also been mother-like and great supporter to her nieces and nephews in their times of need. Tena's hobbies were baking, canning, shopping and walking. She also enjoyed watching wrestling matches and going to hear Gospel Quartet singing. The following are some childhood memories from Tena's nieces: Tera - "I remember spending a lot of time at her home playing with Mickey, her cocker spaniel." |  |
Betty - "I remember staying with her for a year. Eating cow's tongue, it was good...until I found out what it was. I also remember babysitting Tim while she went to wrestling matches."
Netta - "I remember her french fries, her hats and Mickey."
Barbara - "I remember her pound cakes, her kindness and her love for children. She was a little nosey, very cautious, active and dependable."
Joyce - "I remember during the 60's, Aunt Tena would babysit me. She would make me take naps constantly. While she was in the kitchen, I'd be on the phone asking someone to pray for me, so that my Aunt Tena would stop making me sleep so much. When my mother would come for me I would sneak off down to Aunt Tena's house to play, then I knew I didn't have to go to sleep there because I wouldn't be there for long, 'fore my mother and grandmother would come looking for me. Hats off to you Aunt Tena, thanks for all the good memories."
Carolyn - "I remember whenever I would come to North or South Carolina and would see Aunt Tena, she would always hug me and call me her "baby". She made me feel special and I thought that was my special name from her...until I overheard her call one of my other cousins the same thing. I was crushed!"
Sabrina - "I remember Aunt Tena being an awesome baker. Once I came for a visit and before I left she pulled two sweet potato pies from the freezer and sent me back down to Georgia with them. I had two room mates at the time. After getting home, one of the pies came up missing. Apparently, my cousin Meko/roommate was grateful to Aunt Tena as she commenced to devour one pie by herself. Fortunately, the other pie we shared with me and our other roommate, Joie. Unbeknownst to us that would be the last time we would ever have one of Aunt Tena's sweet potato pies."
Sister went on to be with the Lord on March 30, 2001.
