Tamera Gayle Robyn Carls, 55 years old, was peacefully called from this life to heaven on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at her home in Gloucester, Va.
After a valiant fight with breast cancer in 2004, Tammy’s battle resumed in December 2013 with Stage 4 bone cancer. Her will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through six months of grueling surgery, chemotherapy, and pain as the disease spread throughout her body.
Tammy was born on Feb. 14, 1959 in Sycamore, Ill., to Ernest and Marjorie Carls. Tammy’s fondest childhood memories were of playing basketball, swimming, riding her pony, and reading. After graduating high school, Tammy moved to Chicago, Ill., to attend DePaul University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with double degrees in Psychology and Philosophy.
Tammy relocated to Gloucester in July of 2000. She was married, purchased her home, and began working at Wawa as Customer Service Manager. Tammy quickly felt like a member of the community, thanks to all of the customers who brightened her days.
Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her beloved nephew, Ben Harris.
She is survived by her spouse, Kelly Oldfield; their son, Brandon Bridwell; her brother, Dr. E. Glenn Carls; sisters, Penny (Roy) Bradshaw and Sharon (Roger) Johnson; three nieces, Tiffany, Shelly, and Kristen; Tammy’s extended family includes her mother- and father-in-law, John and Alice Oldfield; brother-in-law, Jonathan Oldfield, and Bella.
The family wishes to express their appreciation and special thanks to the MCV Palliative Care Unit, as well as the Riverside Walter Reed Hospice group for their support and superior caregiving.
The family will receive friends in the chapel of Andrews Funeral Home on Thursday, June 26, 2014, from 10-11 a.m., with funeral services starting at 11 o’clock by the Rev. Bud Goude, pastor of Gloucester Point Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Rosewell Memorial Garden.
Donations to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, in memory of Tammy Carls, 7358 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Andrews Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester, is in charge of arrangements.