Tessie Quarles Alvarez

Tessie was born in Nederland, Texas January 25th, 1936. Her parents proudly announced her birth in the Port Neches Chronicle as follows…

“Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Quarles of Nederland are the proud parents of a baby girl born last Saturday night. The young lady has been given the name Tessie.”

She graduated from Nederland High School in 1954 and married Pete Alvarez, her loving husband, until his passing in 2011.

Tessie and Pete moved to Cheek, Texas in 1965 and built their home, which became a home to many. Together, they raised their own two children, “Andy” and Rod, but their home was always open to others and they parented many with an open heart. There was always an open door policy and a plate fixed for anyone.

She was an indispensable part of the Southeast Texas State Fair for 20 plus years as the Livestock Secretary for the YMBL. Anyone in 4H or FFA knew “Mrs. Tessie”. She later ran the Beaumont Farmer’s Market at the original location on Gulf Street in Beaumont. She retired from the Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace office where she was a clerk. Her work ethics were phenomenal and anything she was working on was going to be done correctly with no corners cut.

In her community, she was a confidant to many, and was known as a woman you could trust to help you and get things done and be counted on. She had a strong character with moral principles.

Tessie and Pete were pillars of the Quarter Horse community, and raised many AQHA champions and conducted horse shows and rodeos at their home. They supported 4H and FFA organizations for many years.

Mostly and lovingly, she was known as “Aunt Tessie”… regardless if you just met her, regardless if you were her blood relative, or her lifelong friend.

Much love and gratitude to her niece, Judy Tribes, for being her companion, caretaker and best friend in the last years and moments.

She is survived by her son, Rod Alvarez and his wife, Cathy; daughter, Andrea Alvarez Beck; Buddy Choate and his daughter, Whitney; grandchildren, Amber Harbolt, Kayleigh Alvarez, and Carter Beck; sister, Opal Beard; and many nieces and nephews.

Tessie is preceded in death by her husband, Pete Alvarez.

A gathering of Mrs. Alvarez’s family and friends will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Broussard’s Cemetery, Hamshire.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or to the American Quarter Horse Association, 1600 Quarter Horse Drive Amarillo, Texas 79104.