Maria Antonia “Toni” (Tamez) Tinney 1930 - 2026 BHS Class of 1950
Tom Estes
Maria Antonia “Toni” (Tamez) Tinney passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born in Bishop, Texas, to Manuel Tristan Tamez and Paula Antonia (Ortiz) Tamez, and was one of nine children, growing up alongside four brothers and four sisters.
Toni devoted her life to education and was a beloved elementary school teacher. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, preparing for a lifelong career shaping young minds and touching countless lives with her kindness and dedication.
A devout Roman Catholic, Toni’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a talented seamstress and highly skilled in crochet, and she found great joy in cooking, crafting, and caring for others. Her life was a reflection of love, generosity, and quiet strength.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick E. Tinney, Jr.; her son, Paul A. Tinney and his wife, Brenda Marie (Pyle) Tinney; their two sons, Paul A. Tinney and Patrick E. Tinney; and her stillborn daughter, Mary Ann Tinney.
Toni is survived by her son, Patrick E. Tinney III, and his wife, Lynn Marie (Norrod) Tinney, along with their four children: Matthew Aaron Tinney, Joseph Raphael Tinney, Nate Kolbe Tinney, and Sky Worley. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Melodie Ann Tinney, daughter of her late son Paul, and Melodie’s two sons, Shawn Michael Whitford and Justin “Loyal” Whitford, whom Toni lovingly raised and cared for. Throughout her life, Toni also extended her love and support to her niece, Estella L. Bobinger, and Estella’s daughter, Shawn Green.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church beginning at 9:00 a.m., with a rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Santa Gertrudis Cemetery.
She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend whose kindness, strength, and warmth touched all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and dedication that will never be forgotten.