Mary Alice (Davis) Anthony

The MELODY of Tini

A Star is Born

In the small town of Henderson, Texas, on a sunny day in May 1968, a bright light flickered into existence—Mary, affectionately known as Tini. From her earliest days, Tini was a bundle of energy, her laughter echoing through the halls of her grandparents' home in the Dirgin community of Tatum. With a voice that could melt hearts, she captivated everyone around her, showcasing a natural gift for song that would become her lifelong passion. As she transitioned to life in Houston with her mother and sister, her talent blossomed further. Tini thrived in the vibrant atmosphere of Houston Public Schools, where she joined choirs and choral ensembles, winning accolades and traveling far and wide. Each note she sang was a testament to her spirit—an exuberant celebration of life that would leave an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to hear her sing.

The Journey of a Songbird

In 1988, Tini took a significant step in her life when she married Morris Anthony Jr., though their union did not bring children. Nevertheless, Tini's heart was destined for a different kind of love. After a brief hiatus, she pursued her dream of a singing career and found herself in the vibrant music scene of Memphis, Tennessee. There, she became a background singer for the legendary Blues artist, Little Milton, traveling across the United States and sharing her voice with audiences who adored her. The thrill of performing ignited her soul, but the call of home was strong. After returning from Houston in 1992, she embraced her roots while pouring her heart into her work at Tatum and Beckville Public Schools in 1997, where she became a beloved figure among students and staff alike, her laughter and kindness echoing through the halls.

A Legacy of Love

In the year 2000, Tini's life took a beautiful turn when she met Rodney Fuller, leading to the birth of her greatest joy—her son, Rodney Charles Anthony, affectionately known as Junior. Tini poured her heart and soul into motherhood, cherishing every moment spent with her son. Her love for Junior was a melody that resonated deeply, a symphony of nurturing and devotion that defined her life. As she navigated through the joys and challenges of motherhood, Tini remained a beacon of love and strength for her family and friends. Though she departed this world peacefully on October 25, 2025, her spirit lives on in the cherished memories of her son, her sister, and a vast network of loved ones. Tini's legacy is one of love, laughter, and an unwavering passion for life—a melody that will continue to play in the hearts of those she touched.

Mary leaves loving and cherished memories with: son - Rodney Anthony (Vivian) of Tatum; sister - Yolanda Greggs of Houston; stepsister - Kim Wren (James) of Kaufman; stepbrothers – Charles Doyle of Memphis, Charles Anthony, Jr (Laura) of New Braunfels, James Davis, Jr (Issetta) of Kaufman, Marc Anthony of Houston;  niece - Jessica Milburn (Brian) of Houston; nephews - Robert Martin, Brandon Martin Sr, and Andrew Johnson, all of Houston; god-brother - Lee A. Preston, Jr (Rita) and god-sister – Angelique Preston, both of Houston; nieces, nephews, a host of cousins and countless friends all over the globe.

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