Cortez M. Caldwell

Cortez Marie Caldwell aka Tessie went back to our heavenly father on October 2nd 2022 after fighting long term health issues while a patient at Abington Memorial Hospital. She will be dearly missed. She was preceded by her siblings Emory "Butchy" Caldwell, Harold Caldwell, Tanya Caldwell, Steven Caldwell, she is survived by her two brothers (Gary Caldwell, Keith Caldwell), three sisters (Phyllis Caldwell, Nancy Caldwell), Theresa Caldwell also her three daughters (Shakirah Clark, Amina Mejias, Khadija Clark and son in la Jose Mejias), two grandsons (Jayvohn McCown and Andrius McCown), eight granddaughters ( Cortez Jones, Fatera Johnson, Arafa "Bunny" Porter. Jasmin Dixon, Taffina-Symone Barrett, Kirah Viaud, Jazzani Gerena, Dahnina "Boppie" Barrett). Also great grandchildren Lazari Berry, Kal-El Haye, the late Zyla Wilson, Lior O'bannon, Zyra Wilson, Xavier Jean-Marie, Trishten Dixon-Allen, Dylan Staszak, Bella Roof, Autumn Staszak and Love White.

Cortez was born on August 28th, 1957 her life began in Chester, PA. the oldest daughter out of her 10 children born of love from parents Emory Caldwell and Constance E. Caldwell who later made the decision to relocate the family to Philadelphia, PA. Cortez and many of her siblings went to St. Malachy's Catholic School during her primary years before she could attend Hallahan High School for Girls. However, her plans changed as she fell in love and soon after married Albert John "Khalifa" Clark and had two beautiful daughters Shakirah & Amina. Later in life she reconnected with her middle school sweetheart from St. Malachy's Vincent "Chico" Moore and brought forth her third daughter Khadiha. Cortez completed her high school education by obtaining her GED and began a new career as a CNA in various hospitals and nursing homes. She brought passion and energy this exciting role and often spoke of the happiness and satisfaction when caring for her elderly patients. As much as she enjoyed her work she was an amazing caring and loving mother. She was also a no nonsense type of women. Who never hesitated to speak her mind especially if someone overstepped their boundaries.

Later in life she would enroll in Community College of Philadelphia at the main campus as an Adult working towards obtaining an associates degree in Liberal Arts. Cortez was a lifetime learner and educator. She brought her kindness and dedication to the mentally and physically disabled students of Simon Gratz High School of Philadelphia, PA. She worked individually and as a team with teachers to help students achieve independence and learn practical judgement concerning everyday life skills. Cortez treated her students and coworker as family. After dedicating over 10 years of hard work & effort to her students and staff. Cortez decided to retire and relaz; she lived the rest of her life the way she chose and spent most her time with her loved ones. Cortez will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love her. She is known as "Aunt" or "Aunt Tessie" by many of her nieces and nephews and graciously called "Tessie"or Dija by family and friends.

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