Phyllis Ann Gaines Tinsley

PHYLLIS ANN TINSLEY was known by many names most notable as PIG! She peacefully passed away on November 6, 2022. Phyllis’s greatest love was her family, pets, and her commitment to her work at Community Assistance Network (CAN). Phyllis Ann Tinsley, born on May 2, 1953, was raised by Ann Bundy (Godmother) and Vernetta Elliott (Foster Mother) William Park (father) and Helen P. Gaines-Tolson all preceded her in transition. Phyllis received her education through the Baltimore City public school system. Phyllis worked as a Nursing Assistant for a short time. She moved on to work for the State of Maryland as a toll collector for about 3 yrs. She later earned her a degree in Business Management at BCCC. Phyllis followed her heart to give back, by finding employment in her community. Over the next 38 years she dedicated her life’s work with a non-profit organization, Community Assistance Network (CAN). She was happy, vibrant, and full of energy, always smiling. Phyllis has humbly served her community in various roles at the Community Assistance Network (CAN) as her last role was Director of Special Projects. Phyllis began her career as a volunteer at CAN in March 1983. She was later hired as an Outreach Coordinator June 1984, became Director of Services in 1990, and Director of Special Projects in 2016. Some of the highlighted programs she was instrumental in starting and operating include early iterations of Emergency Shelters, Head Start, food pantry and the Fuel Fund. Phyllis work was exceptional and impactful. It is difficult to encapsulate and describe all of the positive work Phyllis has done for CAN and the Baltimore County community at large over the past 38 years. Phyllis was CAN’s glue, and through her tenure she has held everything together, laid the groundwork for a number of programs CAN has operated, and inspired and mentored a wide array of staff and clients. “Phyllis positively impacts CAN’s ability to serve our clients the way we do. She pours a lifetime of lived experience and empathy into all she does at CAN, and she has grown and changed with the organization as it has transitioned from a tiny office into the large organization we are now. There is no substitute for her or the meaningful, generational relationships she has established both at CAN and throughout the Baltimore County community. She is trusted by everyone on staff, gives great and valuable advice and direction, and has a wealth of institutional knowledge and memory. Always ready to lend a helping hand for those in need, Phyllis has led by example, led by her actions, and given direction to numerous projects and programs over the years at CAN, affecting the lives of countless thousands of people facing economic challenges in Baltimore County. Phyllis has formed a strong support foundation for CAN that has led to its growth and has set CAN up for continued success in the years to come. Her years of acquired knowledge and wisdom from lived work experiences are indeed exceptional. Her thoroughness and compassion when advising and guiding staff and clients through personal and business matters are second to none. Strong Pillars Build Strong Institutions. Without Phyllis Johnson-Tinsley, CAN would not exist as it does today.” As committed as Phyllis was to her family, friends, animals and community, love was calling her name. On a fall September night two hearts collided. Keith Tinsley saw Phyllis, a sight for sore eyes with a gap that would make anyone smile. After days/ nights/ months of texting, 5 – 8 dates and, two dog biscuits in each hand, New Year’s Eve 2018 a proposal was made. Two hearts became one April 24th, 2019. Never looking back, the fantastic duo traveled, picnicked, remodeled, and drove state to state. Phyllis, lovingly known by “Pig,” leaves to cherish loving memories: her husband, Keith Tinsley; three children, Adam Gaines Sr., (Tasuha), Nichole June-Williams, (Troy), Cheisa Howard (Ronald); god-sister, Phyllis Smith, Siblings; Cornelius, Percy, Dorinda, Ophelia, Darnell, Coreatha, goddaughters, Eva and Kandis; grandchildren, Adam Jr., Eric Williams, Shatea, Phillip, Shane, Antione, Nicholas Anyia, Makayla, Nijah, Nia; great-grands, Zhane, Zarah, Davante Curry Jr., Melani, Mason, Monroe, devoted friend, Rose and Marion; host of nieces, nephews, and friends on Reisterstown Rd., in Middle River, and Northeast Baltimore; her dogs Babygirl and Debo. She is proceded in death by (Brother) Maurice, (Granddaughter) Kimberly Brown and (Cousin) Wayne. Her pets were a very important to her. If she found a stray, she would find it a home. Many of you are owners of her findings. If not an owner, you contributed in some form or task just by listening to her tell the story of how she found a cat or dog and was seeking a home. Thanks to Dr. Foster and staff for 30 years of caring for Phyllis’s pets.

Tributes

Phyllis Ann Gaines Tinsley

May 2, 1953 - November 6, 2022