By Sis. Shirley Tarpley, NDG Religion Editor
Bobbie Fontenette, will celebrate her, surprise, 80th birthday this Saturday, December 12, .2015, with family and friends at the El Fenix Restaurant, 1601 McKinney Avenue, Downtown Dallas, starting at 2 p.m.
Fontenette has been a long-time member of Mt. Pisgah’s Missionary Baptist Church (The Rock), in the North Dallas area where R.W. Townsend is the Senior Pastor.
At church she serves with the Women of Praise (W.O.P.) choir, the Christian Ladies of Conquest (C.L.O.C.) and the Greeters Ministry. And, one year she was crowned Christian Woman of the Year at The Rock.
Growing up in Dallas, Fontenette is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in North Dallas, one of only three high schools for Black children in Dallas; it is now called Booker T. Washington’s Performing Arts Magnet School.
Fontenette retired from Texas Instruments (TI) after 30 years, working as an Executive Secretary, the first Black Executive Secretary for TI in Dallas.
She was a model in Fashion Shows throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth’s Metroplex, modeling hair styles, hats and clothes, in her earlier days.
As the only daughter, out of three children, of the pastor of a church, Fontenette truly had to walk a fine line. When the church pianist was out for any reason Fontenette filled in for her.
“We are without children; however, Bobbie has been like a mother to children at church and in our community; she is a Christian woman in action at our church and in our community; and, she is a loving and carrying wife of 32 years,” Jesse said.
Fontenette sends cards to church and family members for their birthdays, as well as when they are sick; and she will visit them on occasions and especially in their bereavement.
“Even though she did not graduate from Prairie View A & M University (PVA&M), as my wife, she joined our Alumni Association with me and sends cards to Prairie View’s Alumni members also,” said Jesse.
Fontenette has received numerous awards from Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church and also from Prairie View A & M University’s for various activities that glorify the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate Bobbie’s 80th birthday this Saturday.
