of Mountain View, AR
June 7, 1972 - October 4, 2019
Tamara Michelle Deatherage was born June 7, 1972 and departed this life October 4, 2019, at the age of 47 years, 3 months and 27 days.
Tammy was a retired teacher, having worked for several years for the North Little Rock School District as a Special Education Teacher. Tammy earned two masters degree in Education and attained the National Board Certified Teacher status. Before beginning her teaching career she worked for the State of Arkansas assisting children who needed special attention and care. She went far beyond what was required of her to assist those in her care.
Tammy enjoyed several hobbies, but all of them were short lived. Another interest always seemed to beckon, and she would try a new field of interest. However, her constant interest was love of children and her friends. Not only did she teach her students academics, but also love of life. She cherished each student and was proud of their success, whether it be learning to read or playing Division 1 Sports.
Tammy was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a crippling disease that gradually takes over the body and makes even the most simple movements difficult. This is how the disease affected Tammy. What others take for granted, Tammy had to struggle. She never gave up in her search for answers to the problems she encountered. Her last day included inquiries into medicines and side-effects of medicines used to treat her disease.
To understand Tammy you had to understand her faith and forgiving nature. This did not always come easily, but it did define her. She understood, and often talked of, the fact that you must forgive in order for God to forgive you. As her disease progressed so did her faith. She was confident in her relationship with God and wanted others to have that same assurance. Near the end of her life she was befriended by a group of people who loved her unconditionally with God's love and showed that love by ministering to her.
Tammy is survived by her mother, Glenda Deatherage. She was preceded in death by her brother Tommy and her father Jimmy.
She leaves behind a host of relatives and friends to mourn her passing, but they do not sorrow as not having hope. Tammy was a believer.
Visitation is Monday, October 7, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 PM at Timbo Valley Assembly of God Church in Timbo, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 2:00 PM, with Kyle Cassidy and Jeff McLean officiating. Interment will be at Alco Cemetery in Alco, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Daryl Campbell, Wes Campbell, John Harris, Russell Harris, Richard Harris and Jerry Dale Smith
Roller Coffman Funeral in Mountain View, Arkansas is in charge of the arrangements.
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14 Condolence(s)
Christy (Treat) Brackett
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
I just found out and so very sadden of her passing!! My Thoughts & Prayers are with you Glenda and the rest of her family and friends!! She will be missed dearly. Until we meet again!!
Darcy Binford
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
I was very fortunate to have known Tammy, she will be missed dearly. She was a very special lady!!!
Allison Rowe
Monday, October 7, 2019
Misty Rushly
Monday, October 7, 2019
I was so blessed when Tammy and I mended our friendship. Her struggles were heart breaking. Her faith was inspiring. I miss her. I loved her and was lucky to have been friends with such a gifted and giving woman.
Lisa Solomon Comeaux
Monday, October 7, 2019
There is no words I can say how sorry I’m for your loss my prayers are for family friends that Jesus see you though this sad time in your loss
Judy Collins
Monday, October 7, 2019
To all Tammy's family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Tammy was close to my daughter for years until she moved out of state. Tammy was so fun to be around. She will be missed.
Rellia Dillinger
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Tammy was one of the Sp Ed teachers I worked with in NLR. She loved her students no matter what and would stand up for them any day. She gave her all and with her National Board Certification shined like the star she was. We didn’t always agree but I never worried about her students getting her best. We stayed in contact for several years after we both left the district and I knew whatever she was doing, she gave 100%. She was a gifted, loving and strong teacher and I was proud to call her friend. God bless Tammy, her family and friends.
Margaret Brown
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Tammy, I am so very happy that I got the opportunity to get to know you. You were an amazing woman and I become so close and loved you! I couldn't believe how one woman could have that much love in her heart for everyone that walked into her Life!
Brenda Lewis
Sunday, October 6, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Tammy's passing, she was an inspiration to all who knew her. May God bless each of you during this time.
Dorothy rains
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Tammy was a wonderful person may she rest in piece
Wynola Day
Sunday, October 6, 2019
One of my favorite teachers at NLRHS. She helped my son, Juan Day, in every way she could, to make sure he made his way to The University of Arkansas. We also became close friends. I hated to see her leave this area, but it was a decision she had to make. I am glad you are now at peace...â¤
Sherri
Sunday, October 6, 2019
I met Tammy in college around 1994. In 1995 a group of sociology students and teachers took a bus to spend our spring break on a reservation in Soutb Dakota. We remained friends ever since we survived that adventure. Tammy was always full of energy and constantly active with whatever her latest obsession was. It was so hard to see her suffering with Parkinsons. Her struggles were many, but she managed to often stay positive even when I knew she was really hurting and frustrated. Even with her limitations she learned to turn things over to God and found a ministry to others at the nursing center where she lived her last years. She was never shy to share her testimony. Her church family became such a blessing to her and helped her so much. Tammy will be greatly missed, but I know I will see her again someday.
Stephany Barnette
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Shelbi Gilbert