Tamara Stephanie Hansford Hamilton

Tamara Stephanie (Hansford) Hamilton, 52, cherished wife and mother, friend who never met a stranger, loved by all for her kind, loving and selfless personality passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ, on September 19, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Tamara, born in Denton, Texas on September 30, 1971, was the daughter of Jim and Conchita Hansford of Shawnee, Oklahoma. On March 26, 1994, she married John Thomas Hamilton of Plainview, Texas. They made their home in Lubbock, had two children, Channing Brooke Hamilton, and Clark Hansford Hamilton, and enjoyed 30 years of marriage.

She grew up in Durant, Oklahoma and Plainview, Texas and was a 1989 graduate of Plainview High School where she served as a varsity cheerleader and participated in both Acapella choir and symphonic band. Music was a vital part of her life. With the encouragement of her parents, both musicians, Tamara studied piano from the second grade through high school and participated in annual Piano Guild Auditions, receiving consistent superior ratings. Upon graduation, she gave a senior piano recital and music continued to be an active part of her life as she sang in the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church, participated in musicals presented by her church and taught as a preschool and Vacation Bible School music teacher. John and Tamara are members of the Seekers of Grace sunday school class at First United Methodist. She also was a member of the FUMC Staff Parish Relations Committee and Administrative Board.

Upon graduation, she joined her sister, Candace, as a student at Baylor University. During her freshman year she became a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Tamara completed her studies at Oklahoma Baptist University where her parents taught. While a student she participated in the Bisonette Glee Club and served in the student senate as a representative. Her senior year she was selected as an honoree in the annual Hanging of the Green Christmas presentation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at Oklahoma Baptist University in 1993.

Tamara taught for 4 years in the Lubbock Independent School District at Whiteside and Wolfforth elementary schools and then worked as an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist for LISD, helping families of young children with developmental delays. Following her work with LISD, she worked as a residential property manager, then Scarborough Specialties, assisting regional businesses to promote themselves. Tamara’s love for service knew no bounds and she volunteered as an Odessey of the Mind Coach with LISD, Kappa Alpha Theta Advisory Board, Junior League of Lubbock, and the Lubbock Junior Women’s Club.

Tamara enjoyed traveling with her close family and friends, walking her dogs Layla and Rowdy, and attending Yoga classes. Her smile lit up every room she entered and her kind nature was an impression she left on everyone she encountered whether a student she taught, or a friend she made in line at the grocery store. Tamara, a natural social butterfly, loved to dance with her friends and never wanted to leave the fun. She was the last one to leave the church, the party, or any social gathering because she never wanted to miss out. Tamara was an amazingly compassionate and caring person; gentle, patient, and sweet-spirited. She was a highly devoted wife, and a protective, loving mother to Channing and Clark, whom she adored. No matter what life presented as challenges, she was ready for the call to rise above.

Tamara was predeceased by her grandparents James and Mary Hansford of Fort Worth, Texas, Marshall and Christine Glisson of Corinth, Mississippi, and in-laws Tom and Jan Hamilton of Plainview, Texas. She is survived by husband John Thomas Hamilton of Lubbock, Texas, parents Jim and Conchita Hansford of Shawnee, Oklahoma, sister Candace and husband Travis Francis and daughter Lauren Francis of Waco, Texas, children Channing Brooke Hamilton, Clark Hansford Hamilton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the East Mound Cemetery, PO Box 214, Matador, TX 79244.

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