Tamara "Tammi" Ann King

Tamara Ann King passed away on March 11, 2017, from complications of cancer. She was 57 years old. Tammi was an only child raised by her mother Wanda Hanshaw from whom she came by her sharp wit and realistic view of life. Wanda also instilled in her at an early age the value of education and saw to it that Tammi had an opportunity to go to college. Equally important in her upbringing was Tammi’s much loved grandmother, Edith Mitchell, from whom she learned many things including compassion for others and the ability to sew, which became a life-long passion. Edith encouraged Tammi’s desire to play school. It was that desire that led to her area of study in college and her ultimate employment as a teacher. Tammi taught English for more than three decades, all but one at her alma mater, Winfield High School. During her time there she bonded with many of her colleagues, none more so than Judy Schuda, whom she considered her mentor, and Jean Allred, for whom Tammi served as a mentor. Both were dear friends whom she loved and their relationships were the type that can only be forged in common experience. Their tales of the classroom made get-togethers all the more entertaining for all who were present. Like all teachers, Tammi impacted many lives over several generations and in ways that those who were effected many not even fully realize. For those who did realize and spoke of these effects in cards, letters, or in person, Tammi’s sense of purpose received an infusion of joy. Tammi’s family was another source of joy. Though without siblings, Tammi always considered her cousins Danny and Richard Mitchell, Ron Colby, and Lori Hunter her brothers and sister. As Tammi grew up she stayed close with them. The family holiday gatherings and the annual trip to Myrtle Beach they would take together brought her continual laughs whenever the stories were recounted. In recent years, the cousins gathered taregularly with spouses, children, and eventually grandchildren, for food and tales. Few things bought Tammi more real happiness. Tammi loved books: buying them, reading discussing them. Whether Shakespeare, Austen, or Bronte or any number of her favorite detective and mystery authors, her favorite summer pastime was to sit in a comfortable chair on the front porch with her current book and a cup of good coffee. If a neighbor came by, all the better. She enjoyed good neighborhood chatter, too. Tammi loved dogs and she found room in her heart and home for four, for a while all at one time. Molly, Katie, Buddy and Rudy gave her the kind of happiness that only pet lovers can appreciate. While the good life she gave them was rewarded with licks and wags of tail, the good life they gave her was often inexpressible. Tammi truly did love Lucy-and Ricky, Fred and Ethel. A passion was collecting Lucy-themed items and she maintained an impressive array. She also loved Andy and Barney and few could compete with her compete with her comprehensive knowledge of the show. She often said there is an Andy Griffith Show quote to fit any situation in life-and she proved it. And Tammi loved he husband Steve, a love that was matched by him, if not exceeded. For 31 years it was a match made in heaven and rock and roll (Lori and Butch Hunter are to be thanked for that). The void left by her departure cannot be filled, but the memories of three decades of a life together will provide much comfort. No life can be summed up in a few short paragraphs; Tammi’s life was no exception. The preceding was a short sketch of the highlights. For those who really knew her, please remember her well as you knew her best. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tammi’s memory to Little Victories, a local animal rescue group, at www.littlevictories.org or to your favorite cancer charity. Tammi would have appreciated it greatly. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am Friday March 17, 2017 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield. Burial will follow in Judson Baptist Church Cemetery, Winfield. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm Thursday at the funeral home. Visit Tammi’s tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com to share memories with the family. Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 12848 Winfield Road, Winfield is honored to serve the King family.

Tamara "Tammi" Ann King

March 14, 1959 - March 11, 2017