Dr. Keyland Vanlandingham Tennyson, age 71, and a resident of Ocean Springs, made her exit from this world into the arms of her Heavenly Father on April 29, 2018. She was born March 27, 1947, in Ackerman, MS.
Dr. Tennyson graduated from Mississippi State University with dual Bachelors of Science degrees in Elementary Education and Special Educationa, a Masters degree in Special Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. She completed additional graduate classes at the University of Southern Mississippi, becoming certified as an Educational Administrator along with continuing education at George Mason University, Wheelock College in Boston, and The University of Virginia.
Her career in education spanned over thirty years, teaching ages 4 to 75 years in Mississippi and Virginia. Twenty years as a college or university professor and the rest spent teaching emotionally disturbed, developmentally delayed, and cognitively challenged children with the Biloxi Public School District. Dr. Tennyson held the highest certifications in her field and was a National Board-Certified Teacher.
Dr. Tennyson was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to anyone who crossed her path. The number of lives she touched during her lifetime is incalculable and she used that time to better others' lives. Following her retirement she made herself available to charity organizations and anyone with a need that she could share her generosity. She loved nothing more than being with her family, spending days in her yard amongst her many flowers, playing her piano and singing, or reading a book with her boxer curled upon her lap. She spent most of her adult life singing in the choir at whatever Baptist church was nearby, offering her gift as a classically trained singer and pianist.
She was a beautiful, vivacious woman who remained the tether for those who knew and loved her. Her too early exit from this earth leaves a void that can never be filled. She was as close to perfect as God allows any of us to become and she will be missed greatly.
Dr. Tennyson was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett Grady(Slim) and Delcia Seville Vanlandingham, and her sisters, Bernice Vanlandingham and Gail Vanlandingham Lovell.
Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her family; her loving husband of 45 years, Dr. John M. Tennyson; her children, Zohn Tennyson and wife Robyn of Diamondhead, MS, Noell Tennyson Campbell and husband Barry Campbell of Mandeville, LA, and Leah Tennyson Rodgers and husband Bryan Rodgers of Ocean Springs, MS; her grandchildren, Chase and Kelanie Tennyson, and Zoe and Joelee Campbell. She is also survived by her brothers; Zane Vanlandingham of Ackerman, MS, Jimmy B. Vanlandingham of San Jose, CA, Lavay Vanlandingham of Clarksville, TN, and her sister, Marlin Vanlandingham Ogden of Sacramento, CA. She will also be greatly missed by her fur baby Boxer, MacLendon, who rarely left her side.
If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ocean Springs Camp of the Gideon's International organization, First Baptist of Ocean Springs, and for those who knew her to love each other, be kind, and share the joy of knowing a loving God.
The funeral and visitation was held at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS on Thursday, May 3rd. To sign the guest registry, please visit www.colemanfuneral.com
There will be a Memorial Service on Friday, May 11th at First Baptist of Ocean Springs, MS.
