Tamara “Tammy” Kay Tarver

Tamara “Tammy” Kay Tarver, 64, of Kountze, died Thursday, July 4, 2024. She was born on April 13, 1960, to Billie Jo James and Roger Dallas Barlow.

Tammy was born in Jackson, Mississippi and grew up living the small-town life in East Texas. She was a sister to four brothers and loved telling stories about all of the adventures and mischief they would get into together as children. She loved her family and enjoyed life most having everyone together for holidays, birthdays, and backyard bbq’s on any given weekend. She was a social butterfly and loved making new friends anywhere she went, as she never met a stranger. She loved a good adventure and had a feisty side that kept everyone on their toes, always having a good story to tell.

Tammy was an intelligent woman who had a deep love for knowledge and books. She could spend hours reading and frequented the library always looking for the next best one. After graduating high school, she went on to attend Tyler Junior College to study business and was recognized for her academic excellence on the Dean’s list. She spent time working for an attorney’s office and later moved on to be a secretary and bookkeeper for Bob Waters Construction where she remained for 15 years. In addition to her career, for many years, she also held a position with the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.

She was blessed with four children that were her pride in life. She would never hesitate to tell anyone listening how proud she was of all her children. She was a praying mother and kept a close relationship with God. Even after they were all grown and on their own, she would always say “no matter where I’m at, or what I’m doing, I always make sure to say my prayers every night and pray for all of my babies.”

She became a proud grandmother in 2014 and now has 5 beautiful grandchildren. Before she fell ill, the lord blessed her with time. Time to hold them, love them, and play with them. Time she cherished greatly.

Survivors include her children, David Barlow, of Jacksonville; Justin Brown of Houston; Brittany Ganske and her husband, Christopher, of Flint; and Drew Tarver and his wife, Amanda, of Troup; grandchildren, Waylon Ganske, Eldon Ganske, Alison Ganske, Branson Tarver, and Westlynn Tarver; siblings, Michael McCugh and his wife, Rajeena; and Danny Kemp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Tim Barlow and Tony Barlow.

“But there’s a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours began.” — Mitch Albom

Cremation arrangements for Tammy were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.