Rev. Dr. Hosie Rea Tevis

Precious in the sight of the Lord

Doctor Hosie Rea Tevis known by her family as Rea was born in Galion Louisiana, September 29, 1932 to Ocie Underwood and Wade Hamp Cotton. Rea faithfully attended church with her parents.  She gave her life whole-heartedly over to God at a very early age.   Rea moved to Oakland California in 1955 to be with her sister Eddie Lue. 

Dr. Tevis, craved knowledge.  She was a huge proponent for education.  One of her favorite scriptures was “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… “(Hosea 4:6).   Dr. Tevis received her Bachelors of Science along with her teaching credentials from San Diego State University. She received her Master’s in Social Services with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling.  That love for knowledge kept her motivated and driven until she received her Doctorate in Theology with an emphasis in Eschatology when she was 82 years old.  She did not just gain this knowledge and keep it to herself.  Dr. Tevis was a sought out substitute teacher in the San Diego City School District.  More than anything, she loved teaching God’s Word.    

When Dr. Tevis moved to San Diego California with her husband Elder Isaiah Tevis in 1973, St. Stephens COGIC became their church home.  She was a faithful and active member of St. Stephens for many years.  When she informed Bishop McKinney that God called her to Pastor, Bishop supported her call to ministry and House of Prayer was established shortly thereafter.  Pastor Tevis was a pioneer and a champion for women in the ministry.  

Through her ministry, she became a landing pad for countless number of lives and a launching pad for ministries in the across the country and abroad.   She was instrumental in raising thousands of dollars to help plant churches in places like Africa, China and Thailand.   Her house on 54th street was a beacon for the lost and broken hearted. 

Hosie Rea Tevis loved her family.  She was preceded in death by both parents, her sisters Sammie Ella Johnson, Charlie Mae Miniweather, her brothers Robert Hamp Cotton, John Roy Cotton, and her daughter Deborah Dernice Doyle.  On Monday, June 4, 2018 Hosie Rea Tevis was called to glory.  She leaves to cherish her memories one sister, Eddie Lue, seven children Sid Tevis, Hosea Wheeler, Beverly Thompson, Robert Wheeler, Kerry Wheeler, Ava Major and Pamela Tevis.  22 Grand Children, Tenisha, Taryn, Aaron, Rachelle, Damon, Pierre, Angelina, Leann, Hosea, Jose, Carmelio, Josiah, Chris, Joshua, Maraya, Katrina, Latrice, Veronica, Jandie, August, Briana, Isaiah, Tim; 25 great grandchildren, so many God children (Robert Warren, Harvey High), nieces, nephews, friends, extended family and of course her church family.

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