Tamae "Tammy" White

Born in Yokohama, Japan on April 14, 1936, Tammy entered this world as a small but mighty force, quickly growing into a whirlwind of joy, determination, and love. She left us on January 4, 2025, surrounded by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Tammy spent her early years in Yokohama before moving to the United States with her husband, Bob, in 1965. A proud military wife, she traveled the country and the world, visiting 49 states and spending four years in Germany before Bob retired after 20 years of service. In 1986, she fulfilled her dream of opening Tammy’s Tamales, a restaurant she ran with unmatched passion until 2017. She continued working part-time at Sam’s Club until 2020, when the pandemic brought her career to a close.

She lived her life much like she ran her restaurant—with precision, passion, and an unwavering diligence. Her tamales became legendary, a delicious symbol of her ability to take on and conquer any challenge. People came for the tamales but stayed for the warmth of her presence and the way she made everyone feel at home. Tammy was also known for sharing her mouthwatering peanut butter cookies after a hearty meal. Her restaurant wasn’t just a business—it was her passion. As her granddaughter Katie beautifully put it, “Food is her love language.”

As a businesswoman, Tammy was fierce, fearless, and proud. She tackled every challenge with the same tenacity she applied to all aspects of her life. Her work ethic inspired everyone she met, and she often reminded her family, “You can do anything if you’re not afraid to work hard.”

Her humor was legendary, her kindness boundless, and her energy limitless. Whether delighting customers with her quick wit or gathering her family around for a meal, Tammy filled every moment with love and laughter. She also held her faith close to her heart, keeping a Bible by her bed, reading and making notes in it regularly.

Tammy leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and joy, along with a family who will forever treasure her unstoppable spirit. She is survived by her beloved children, Richard White and Tamiko Thomson; son-in-law, Mark Thomson; cherished grandchildren, Katelyn “Katie” White, Ryan Masaaki White, Caleb White, Alexandra Ellis Amaya Thomson, and Hunter Xavier Thomson; grandson-in-law, Angel Barragan; great-grandson, Jordin Barragan; and her younger brother, Takashi Horiuchi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Masaaki and Shin Horiuchi, and her sister Harue, as well as her four brothers: Kiyotaka, Shinji, Mitsuo, and Matsuru.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 26th, at the Fort Smith Museum of History, located at 320 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR. This informal, come-and-go gathering will take place from 1–4 PM.

We’d appreciate it if you could RSVP to Richard at mailto:[email protected]

We hope you can join us in celebrating Tammy’s life and the joy she brought to so many.

Rest well, Mom, Mimi, Obaachan. Heaven will never be hungry—or boring—with you there.