CPT Tamara S. Tomlinson

Tamara Shamille Tomlinson, the beloved daughter of Alberta Blassingame, was born in Boston Massachusetts on September 5th, 1981 and raised in Greeneville, South Carolina. She peacefully departed this life on August 26th, 2019, at Hospice of West Alabama surrounded by family.

She attended Piedmont Christian Academy finishing as Valedictorian of her graduating class. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Morris College. As a result of her thirst for knowledge, she continued her education and was pursuing her Master’s in Human Resources Management at Villanova University. Tamara was always ambitious and driven for enrichment in self.

Tamara began her military career in April 2001 when she enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard in Camden, SC. Throughout her career, she completed countless Army training and continuing educational courses, receiving many military awards and declarations. CPT Tomlinson’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Bronze Hour Glass, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 2, and Army Service Ribbon. Distinguished awards received include the Association of the United States Army Officer Candidate School “Leadership Excellence” Award, the MG Charles L. Southward Junior Leadership award and the BG William E. Horton Award, presented to the most outstanding unit commander in the District of Columbia Army National Guard. CPT Tomlinson was a combat veteran, who served in numerous capacities during her military career, which encompassed 18 years of Active Duty, Reserve, and federal government efforts throughout the Armed Forces. Tamara finished her military career as Captain and her last assignment was as Program Officer for the Personnel Programs, Resources and Manpower Division at the National Guard Bureau, in Arlington, VA. She served domestic and abroad for this great nation. Her leadership and guidance will exist forever in the Soldiers and families of those she impacted.

While serving in Iraq, Tamara met the love of her life, Romeo Tomlinson. As a result of their love, they were blessed with their sweet baby girl, Camille Olivia. Romeo, realizing that Tamara was his true soul mate, would soon make her his wife, marrying on March 23rd, 2013. He then became her strength and Camille her drive.

Tamara loved her family deeply and they brought her great joy. Her hobbies were reading, playing volleyball, family and game nights, singing Karaoke (even though Romeo would say she couldn’t carry a tune), and playing Taboo, to name a few. She also had a love for traveling, but her true passion was found in raising her precious Camille. Tamara loved to help others, exhibiting the Golden Rule indeed.

In her younger years, Shamille (as she was called by her mom and siblings) would be described as mischievous (hmm wonder where Camille got it from?). A couple of now funny memories by mom would include Shamille walking around the house in her mom’s bras tying them around her back because of course, they were too big. She would also take her mom’s most expensive jewelry and trade it with her friend’s not so expensive belongings. Of course, mom wasn’t happy about this but she knew kids would be kids and through all of her shenanigans, loved Tamara Shamille Tomlinson the same and can certainly reflect and laugh about it all now!

Tamara battled breast cancer since 2012. She gave it her all and fought the fight like the brave soldier that she was.

To Camille: let the memories and the moments you shared live on as you continue to carry her legacy.

Tamara leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband Romeo Tomlinson, her daughter princess Camille, beloved mother Alberta Blassingame, brothers: Nathaniel Johnson (Vicki), Christopher Johnson, Reginald Johnson (Essie), William Reeder, sisters: Jameka Harris, Tyisha Paynter, Sarai Hassell (Sherman), birth mom: Judy Kitchen and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.