Tamara "Tammy" Tyner Leak

Born on March 27, 1967, in Longview, Tammy moved with her family to Houston at the age of one and remained deeply connected to the city throughout her life. She graduated from Briarwood High School before attending Schreiner University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. With a thirst for learning, she later earned a second degree in special education from Houston Baptist University. Tammy was a proud member of the National Association of American Educators and the Texas Association of American Educators. Throughout her life, she approached teaching with patience, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

The greatest joy of Tammy’s life was her family, especially her beloved sons, Keaton Leak and Grayson Leak, and Grayson’s wife, Lauren Leak. She was immensely proud of the men they became and celebrated their accomplishments with unwavering support and enthusiasm. Keaton graduated from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, and Grayson graduated from Samford University. Her devotion to her sons was constant, and being their mother was the role she treasured most.

Tammy’s caring spirit extended well beyond her family. She was a lifelong animal lover who generously volunteered with the Kerrville SPCA and Citizens for Animal Protection. As a young woman, she volunteered with the American Red Cross and later shared her time and compassion with the The Brookwood Community. In every setting, Tammy’s kindness, empathy, and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on those whose lives she touched.

Tammy is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Charles Tyner. Tammy is survived by her sons, Keaton Leak and Grayson Leak, and daughter-in-law, Lauren Leak; her mother, Francie Willis, and stepfather, Michael Willis; her stepmother, Kay Hill Tyner; her Godmother, Molly Arp; her brothers, Michael Willis Jr., Mark Willis, and Avery Burton; her sister, Deborah Willis Tatham; and her sister-in-law, Dawn Willis.

She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, Brooke Willis, Alli Peterson and husband Stuart Peterson, Jake Willis, Brittany Willis, Ciera Willis, and Trevor Willis. Her great nieces, Blair Penick, Eden Willis, and Beckham Peterson. Tammy leaves behind her treasured cousins, TY Marchione, Meredith Cuccia De Olavarria, Lisa Cuccia Doyle, and as well Sophia Marchione, William Doyle, Alex De Olavarria, Santiago De Olavarria, Drake Marchione, and Finn Doyle, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

She is further survived by her Florida family: Johanne Canu, Anita Malcolm, Mary Marchione, John “J.D.” Cox, Michael Marchione, Donna Marchione, Todd Marchione, Danielle and Anthony Valletta, and Mary Catherine and Jameson Reeder.

Tammy also leaves behind many cherished friends, including Laura Erdem, Celee Fosberg, Kim Gavens, Lisa Risoli, Rocky and Gayle Harris, Laura B., Faye Morris, and Mia Grecco.

Tammy will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, steadfast devotion to family, dedication to education, and deep love for animals. She had a gift for making people feel valued and cared for, and she approached life with compassion, sincerity, and grace. Her legacy of kindness and service will live on in the countless lives she touched and in the family and friends who loved her dearly.

A funeral service celebrating Tammy’s life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Story Church, 3223 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas. A luncheon will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Tammy’s honor to Citizens for Animal Protection, 17555 Interstate 10 East, Houston, Texas 77094.