Name: Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes
Address: Lansing, MI

Tenley was my best friend when I was married and lived in Lansing .  I met her in 1978 and stayed close over the years. I love you forever. Rest in peace my friend.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️❤️❤️

Tinley you are so dearly missed! The MSU homecomings will never be the same without you! Your big green and white smile was a true treasure. You never missed a homecoming! May you rest in peace! 

Always, 
Lynn Gurley

Such a loss. Tenley was my Sands on the Summer Breeze 17 line of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Tenley spoke her mind and didn't mince words ( as Tauruses do). She was also the ultimate hostess and very caring and giving. She was also a very good cook. I would always listen as she and Charlotte would swap cooking tips.  I am heartbroken and sad that she is no longer with us. It was a joy to see her on our line Zoom call on our anniversary date. Rest in Heaven and in Peace Sands. You will always be in our hearts.

You are the best substitute teacher I’ve ever had growing up you made life feel a lot easier you  not only taught me patience but you taught me how to stay concentrated to one subject let the next subject just flow in  like a river You are not only light to Eastern high school but you were the voice of the school you will be missed and always loved we love you Miss Thompson-Mariah 

No words. I just can’t believe it. Our last conversation we had was about you possibly getting a dog. I was so excited. I will always remember everything you have done for me. I am hugging Eggnog and Samuel extra tight. 

I first met Tenley when I came to Eastern in the fall  of 2016. We were Eastern Guest Teachers along with Phyllis Herrguth.  We talked daily and supported each other on our daily work. She was caring and giving and was always checking in with you , asking about your family. She liked to scare snacks with others. When the pandemic hit, we kept in touch by phone. She was always sure to ask how everyone was doing. She checked on me and I checked on her. Once school started in person, we rarely had time to talk. I’m missing you, Tenley!  “Hey, Wilkes, it’s me, Tenley. How you doin’”

Dearest Tenley, on the eve of your funeral service I have a void in my soul. My sincerest condolences to Jill and your entire family. From Sorority sisters to a friendship spanning decades to a love of MSU athletics there are so many memories. Besides the memories, I give all Praise to God for having you in my life. I miss you already. I love you eternally. Thanking God for Jill, Virginia and Annelle, who all came together with others to honor your life.  Fly high with the Angels & your ancestors. Until we meet again. 

I love you my Sister.

Linda Thomas-Boyd and Family

Cousin Tenley was a true Strawther "Thompson".  She could really talk your head off.  Our long and genuine conversations will be missed greatly.
She was a wonderful family member and she loved her sister Jill.

She often told me that she had a great golf game.  I guess that I will have to find that out on the other side.

Love, George and Harolene Cooper

Tenley, a true Spartan who will truly be missed. Tailgating & games are not quite the same! RIP

We 1st met at Detroit Central HS, in 1971. A small cabal of  students who didn't  know we weren't supposed to do great things, but were mentored by those on whose shoulders we stood. She was my "T2" & I was her "Batman". Simply put, whether taking pics for the yearbook, writing for the school paper, or just talking with our crew, Tenley was a bright light. She wasn't  just caring, but thoughtful. Not just talented, but truly gifted. Not just smart, but brilliant. Like our mutual good friend Robyn Young, her passing  leaves a void, but that void is partially filled knowing how many lives she touched, including mine.  Classmates at Central and MSU, some people (and their heart) just stay with you, longer than even they realize.  Tenley was/is just such a person.  If you knew her, then you know what I mean. She was greatly loved, and will be greatly  missed...

One of my favorite memories with Tenley was when she helped me go shopping to get some essentials for my dorm. She went out of her way to make sure I was situated and checked in on me after my aunt dropped me off at MSU as a freshman. I'll never forget Tenley heckling a Wolverine fan in the parking lot that day. She taught me what it means to be a true fan, and oh how she loved Michigan State.  I will always remember her for her kindness, laughter and spirit. Rest in peace, Tenley. 

I was introduced to Tenley in 1977 by Judge Clinton Canady III now my ex husband. We immediately became best friends. She was actually my only friend for a while by me being new in the city. We played golf together regularly and she became part of our family. She was like a God Mother to my four children and we all loved her very much. After moving away from the state we eventually moved lost touch until just recently. I’m very shocked and saddened by her passing as we had plans to spend this coming Thanksgiving together  to catch up. She will be greatly missed. 

I have never met a person like Tenley. She and I became friends while teaching at Eastern and I simply cannot do justice to her impact on my life. Tenley was REAL...she never minced words when she saw an injustice and never shied away from a teachable moment. When giving me advice, which she did often, she always gave a sidelong glance with a grin and started in with "well, you know..." The advice was always good and delivered with a touch of humor. The wealth of her experiences, intelligence, and wisdom touched everyone she came in contact with. Her kind and giving soul serves as a reminder to us all, that we can be better. Tenley, you are missed.

My sincerest condolences from a Sorority Sister of Delta Zeta Chapter; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Only recently becoming a neighbor of Tenley, I was just beginning to get to know this smart, funny lady.  I truly respected her chosen vocation (Teaching), and was thrilled she worked at Lansing Eastern ("03", "08', "10").  I loved to talk about history with Tenley -- whether regarding the neighborhood, Lansing, or Detroit (we never got 'round to MSU).  I had thought there were many more conversations to come..!                                                                                                       To her Family and Friends, I am truly sorry for your loss!

I am so saddened to hear of Tenley's passing! As I began my career as a new teacher, Tenley was always kind and helpful. She would frequently offer, much appreciated, comments and feedback when she was a guest in my classroom. She was a strong, no-nonsense woman, but she was also sweet and humorous. I am so sorry for your family's loss. 

Tenley was one in a million, forever green and white, forever pink and green. I will always treasure memories made with her and send my sincerest condolences to her family and friends and sorors who loved her as well.  Rest in Power. 🙏🏾💚🤍💗

My Dear Friend Tenley, I will truly miss U & I'm so thankful God let us meet. You were always giving from your heart,  always freely giving of your time, sharing of your family & friends, always ready for support of anything one might need in life. Thank U for all your words of encouragement, wisdom,  & laughter. Rest well until we meet in glory. My prayers of comfort are with your family. 😪 🙏 💖 

I want to thank everyone for your comments. It is a comfort to me. THANK YOU.

Tenley was my substitute teacher at Lansing Eastern High School in Lansing, MI. She was a great soul and heaven got one of the best. she will be greatly missed by her students and colleagues. Fly High, Ms. Thompson. May you rest in peace and honor

❤️❤️❤️. OMGoodness Sweetie,  I am still trying to digest it all, I just can’t believe it!  You have always been like a sister to me since we were 10 years old, an this is so hard.  I have always loved you, thank you for all the love, bike rides and growing up times we shared.  You will always be in my heart. Until we meet again, I love you.  🙏🏽

I had the pleasure of working with Tenley at the Girl Scouts and at Eastern.  
We had a great time when working together.  I took her and other Girl Scout office staff on a training adventure.  Which was a blast.  She made everything fun.
I pray that the Lord will comfort her family and friends during this time and always.


I worked with Tenley at Eastern HS for a brief time.  She was very compassionate and always took time to help her students.  Truly, a fine educator and a wonderful woman, I'm so sorry to hear of her loss.  Please know your family is in my prayers.

God bless,
C.Brady, retired EHS

Tenley was my absolute favorite sub at Eastern High.  When she subbed for my co-teaching partners, I also really enjoyed working alongside her. She was a fabulous person through and through. She had that magic balance so crucial for great teachers…she cared about the students and they knew it but she was serious about them doing their schoolwork…it was not  a wasted day when Tenley subbed. The work was done and done well. She was very dedicated, professional, interesting and…fun! My deepest condolences to her loved ones. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. 

What wonderful times shared in the home of my dear friend. I remember Tenley fondly when she lived in  Case Hall on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University. Recent Tenley had started calling me and we would talk for hours. She wanted to let me know that she loved and appreciated me. There are many others things she shared in the way she shared that I will not share. Love and missing you already!

To the Family of Ms Tenly Thompson. My Sincere Condolences.  I have known Tenly since our time qt Michigan  State University. She was always true to her character.  Always peaceful. My prayers are with you as you walk through  your time of grieving. 

OBITUARY

Tenley Thompson

April 26, 1956 – September 20, 2021

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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