Tammy Joy Watlington Smith

When we think of Tammy, you cannot simply thing of just one thing. She was many things to many people.

She was not just a wife, she was a homemaker. Always cooking meals from scratch for her husband, kids, grandchildren and any visitor that stepped through her doorway. Even shipping homemade cookies through the mail for family members too far away.

She was a carpenter, constantly remodeling her home. She could build anything and was skilled in wood crafts.

She was a seamstress, not just repairing clothes, but sewing many Halloween costumes for her children when they were young. Making custom pillows or reupholstering boat seats and furniture.

She was a gardener, growing fresh produce for her family and friends.

She was a landscaper, creating many beautiful designs in her yard. From flower beds to man-made ponds with waterfalls. Surrounded by large river rock. (That may or may not have been taken away from the TN River under the cover of nightfall, one stone at a time in the trunk of her car.) Her daughters were always looking forward to summer break as kids. But knew they had to survive spring cleaning first. The time of year Tammy would clean all of the flower beds and drain the pond to scoop out all of the sludge.

She was a childcare provider. Giving not just a loving and safe environment for her grandchildren. But always a creative and eventful one as well. Making homemade playdough, toys and play areas. Making the children always beg to stay just a little bit longer when their parents got off work.

She was a mother and a NaNa (Nah-Nah). Not just to her own but to all. Always being there treating every child as if they were her own. Speaking words of kindness and praise, encouraging each child to be themselves.

She was a party planner. Creating, cooking and decorating so many unique cakes, snakes, decorations and party bags. Her creations were always the star of the show, stealing the attention away from the event. She was so dedicated to get things done if she set out to do it. Even after she was sick she sat at the camp grounds in the heat using tweezers to decorate cupcakes for Easter. So her grandson could demolish them in seconds.

She was an electrician, drafting her daughters every year to untangle and test every single bulb on the Christmas lights. As she spliced and connected this line with that line. So they could have decorations.

She was a repair woman, the go to person when devices would stop working. Didn’t matter if it was a VHS, DVD, TV or a game console. She would break it down, clean or repair it and put it back together. Always coming to her little girls rescue. So they could play Super Mario or watch The Rescuers Down Under. Even still after her daughters are all grown up. She wouldn’t let her husband waste money on anything new if it quit working. She was going to fix it!

She was an adventurer, with a deep love for the water and camping. Taking her daughters along for the trip. Raising them to float the Buffalo River. Teaching them how to pitch a tent, bait a hook, clean fish and build fires. The old fashioned way. She had the patience of a saint. Have you ever tried to hold the focus of 2 little girls who like to fight, while getting them to start a fire with 2 sticks?

She was a nurse, given the opportunity to work with the great Dr. Tucker In south Jackson in the 90s. She absorbed enough knowledge to use as an arsenal against todays doctors and nurses. Living up to one of her favorite quotes. “Nurses make the worst patients”. Every nurse and doctor that crossed her path would asked “you’re a nurse, aren’t you?” Which would always put a mischievous grin on her face.

She was a daughter. Though she would tell you, as a youngin she could test her mother’s nerve. They remained close. Tammy would take her daughters on road trips to North Carolina to see their Mimi and family. While instilling a love for the mountains.

She was a friend. Tammy may have never been rich in money. But she had a heart full of love and would give anything she had to a person in need. Her strongest connection was with a man named John Berry. They forged a 36 year long friendship that bloomed into family. As he became to be known as a cherished uncle to her girls.

But more than that she was a beautifully strong and amazing woman. With all of the hardships life threw her way. Tammy chose to remain kindhearted. Though she could stand her ground when needed.

With infectious laughter, Tammy was a real character. Hard for anyone to forget. She was always cutting up. But also fun to pick at. Easy to jump scare, she provided a multitude of entertainment for her jokester daughters. Her son-in-law John couldn’t resist getting in on the fun after meeting her. Tammy knew the trick to life was to be able to laugh at yourself. All the way to the end she remained strong. Facing this world with all of its harsh unfairness, choosing to continue smiling.

To her daughter Ashley, Tammy was the most wonderful NaNa to Gracyn, with the most creative mind. She was a healer of everything from rashes, upset stomachs, to her first broken heart. She was a teacher, she taught Ashley how to camp, tie knots, start fires, fish, stew, and woodwork. Among so many other things, but most of all, taught her how to love people. How to forgive and how much beauty is in the world. Tammy was a fierce protector as a mother; she never gave up. She was the most loyal friend. And Ashley’s biggest cheerleader. Always there to lend a hand, and ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. No matter what time of day or night.

To her daughter Kelsey. Tammy was a rock and a best friend. There was nothing she couldn’t share with her mother. Tammy was always there or just a phone call away for every hardship or celebration. Or if Kelsey just wanted to talk and pass the time. They would spend hours together or on the phone discussing politics, being the black sheep of the family, “complaining” about men or what they would do if they ever won the lottery. Though neither of them even played. Tammy lifted Kelsey up, reassuring her that she was a good person. Something Kelsey cherished deeply.

Tammy was loved beyond words. Her passing leaves holes in the hearts of her loved ones. Though her suffering is over, she will forever be missed!

Tammy is survived by her husband Tommy Smith. Mother Mary Watlington Sorrenson and husband Donald Sorrenson. Brother Mack Watlington. Daughters Ashley Nerren, Kelsey Britt and husband John Britt. Grandchildren Gracyn Jackson and Clyde James. And her step children Trinna, Brad, Joey and Hannah Smith.

A service to celebrate the life of Tammy Smith will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service.