Tessa Alexandra Beil
Obituary
Tessa Beil, fierce disability and LGBTQ+ advocate, dies at 24.
Tessa Alexandra Beil, beloved advocate and award-winning writer, born on August 30, 2001, tragically passed away in Tulsa on November 10, 2025.
Tessa was always motivated by a passion for art in all its forms. As a child, they studied piano and dabbled in filmmaking with their cousins. At Booker T. Washington High School, Tessa competed in speech and debate, qualifying for nationals three times in original oratory, and was lead singer of the iconic punk band, Sylvia Wrath. At the University of Tulsa, Tessa studied Art History and Women’s and Gender studies while working at the Philbrook Museum. Tessa’s love for art was matched only by their love for community, especially those who are LGBTQ+ and/or living with disabilities. Tessa was a lifelong volunteer for JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D), participated in countless Pride events, and served as a board member of SOFA, Booker T. Washington’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance. Those who knew Tessa well will remember their dry humor and clever wit; they were one of the quietest people in any room, yet often the funniest.
Tessa is survived by their parents, Shelby Beil and Jennifer Caviston; their grandmas, Collette Beil and Helena Caviston; their sister, Sydney Clary; their dogs Jackie and Leo, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A service honoring Tessa’s life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2025 in the Great Hall at the Allen Chapman Student Union on the University of Tulsa campus.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Youth Services of Tulsa https://www.yst.org/ on Tessa’s behalf.
Events
Celebration of Life
Tributes & Memories
Tessa was one of the first people I met at BTW Speech and Debate. I was so in awe of their drive, talent, and kindness. They made me feel included as the small freshman, and I will never forget how much that meant to me.
Jenna Davis
Tessa was one of the first people I met at BTW Speech and Debate. I was so in awe of their drive, talent, and kindness. They made me feel included as the small freshman, and I will never forget how much that meant to me.
Jenna Davis
Tessa, your empathy, passion, and kindness knew no bounds. Wishing you peace.
Zoe Latham
When I think of Tessa I think of someone who helped shaped the foundation of who I am today. Whether it be introducing me to the mega ride pass, showing me amazing music, or teaching me how to use my voice to speak up for others Tessa was truly a light in my life. Tessa was and always will be an amazing example of what it means to be an advocate, an educator, and a friend.
Anna McCaskill
Allison Wenger
Tessa words still can’t describe the feeling I have knowing that you’ve passed. I have so many memories of us growing up together that will always be a part of me. You will forever be known as an amazing and thoughtful person to all that knew you. Also thank you for teaching me so much about myself and others. You will be my sibling now and always.❤️ - Logan Sherwood
Logan sherwood
When it comes to Tessa, I have always admired their advocacy, their writing, and their genuineness. The world would be a better place if people could be as tolerable as Tessa and as willing to learn and listen to others as Tessa did. May all remember their light and what they stood for. Much love -Amri' L.❤️ #323
Amri' Littlejohn
So many sweet memories with Tessa. She was brilliant and thoughtful. She loved her friends and was fiercely loyal. She was the light in her father’s eye he was so proud of her, we all were! What a tragic loss, but she will live in our memories forever.
Janet Birnie