Mrs. Patrina Louise Chatman

In Loving Memory Of Patrina Louise Chatman was born December 2, 1953, to Esther M. Martin-Anderson and the late Claude E. Kirk in Cleveland, Ohio. “Trina” as she was affectionately known, was the eldest of nine children, five sisters, one preceding her in death, Adrienne Kirk-Richardson and three brothers. When Esther moved to Detroit to be closer to her family, she met and married Ozell Turner, who later became Trina’s stepfather. Trina attended the Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1971. Early in her educational career, teachers recognized Trina’s high intellect and double promoted her to the first grade skipping kindergarten altogether. She excelled in math and writing throughout her school years. During high school, Trina joined the Cass Tech majorettes where she was one of the first black students on a majority all white team. This is where her black revolutionary spirit began to form and grow. She went on to attend Wayne State University and earned her Bachelor and Master of Arts in English majoring in technical writing. She later worked for multiple institutions starting with the Detroit Free Press, Wayne State University, EDS, and as an English Teacher for the Lewis College of Business, Michigan’s only Historically Black College and University. In 1971, Trina joined the Shrine of the Black Madonna of the Pan-African Orthodox Christian Church, where she found a relationship with Christ and was reborn as Tsehynesh Gessesse (“Bright like the sun”; “Introspective, Philosophical, and Analytical”). She was active in the programs of the church. Tsehynesh worked with many group levels, like the youth in the Alkebulan Academy, as a Missionary Outreach member, and as a member of the College Cadre. This call to purpose led Tsehynesh to Atlanta Georgia, where she was drafted by the Holy Order of the Maccabees; the special security service established for brothers and sisters to protect and defend the church. Her hard work, leadership, and determination helped her rise through the ranks ultimately becoming a Corporal. In 1975, in Atlanta while serving in the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church, Tsehynesh married the love of her life and best friend, Marvin Chatman Jr. (Mawando Koumba). Tsehynesh lived her life as a dedicated educator. Her mission was devoted to the liberation of African people everywhere. Her professional expertise led her to become a committed and devoted 34-year employee at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, where she was the Senior Curator and Registrar of Exhibitions. In this role she was also responsible for mentoring and guiding the next generation of curators and scholars as they maintain the work and legacy of African culture and heritage. In 2013, Tsehynesh became a charter member of the Detroit Chapter of the Piearians Incorporated, founded by Annette C. Johnson in 1958. She along with nine other charter members formed this institution to express the importance of women who love art in many mediums and have accepted the mantle of continuing the mission of encouraging and supporting young artists and institutions through the pursuit of study and other educational activities. Tsehynesh was an amazing dancer. You could find her as an assistant instructor with her husband for Mr. Smooth Dancers and the Detroit Ballroom dance community. She was also a dynamic cook; gathering the family together at least 2-3 times a year for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, always expressing the importance of togetherness. Occasionally, you could find her running the Spades table as a quiet force. With Mawando she was a world traveler, visiting numerous islands and multiple countries on five continents. The arts and educational institutions were always an important aspect of the visit. Her most prominent job was being a devout wife mother and grandmother. Tsehynesh leaves behind her husband of 49 years, Mawando Chatman Jr., three daughters, Ndambi Gillespie (Hasani), Efuru Ashley, and Marcey Lofton, grandsons, Rikarr Weatherspoon, Roger Weatherspoon, Kijani Gillespie, and Zakai Gillespie, mother Esther (Alamaze) Anderson, sisters: Sheila Baptista (John), Anita Kirk-Goode (William “Franco”), Stephanie Kirk-Lofton, and Sheila Turner-Rose, brothers: Keith Kirk, Michael Turner, and Jeffrey Turner, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends, co-workers, and loved ones.

Mrs. Patrina Louise Chatman

December 2, 1953 - August 17, 2024