A memorial service was held on Friday, July 18, at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church. Remembrances can be posted on Tamara’s Facebook page, where they will be read by her family members and her many friends and colleagues.
Tamara graduated from IWS in June 2013. She was a longtime instructor in the Department of Music at Emory University in Atlanta and served as organist and choirmaster for several Atlanta area churches, most recently at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Her doctoral thesis topic was “Developing Conflict Resolution Skills for Church Musicians in Greater Atlanta, Georgia.” In her thesis she developed a course of study to equip church musicians with conflict resolution skills, using biblical, historical, contemplative and social-scientific models for training church musicians to effectively respond to conflict situations. Here is a quote from Tamara’s thesis acknowledgements in 2013:
“This thesis would not have evolved without light and strength from God. . . . God graciously led me to the Institute for Worship Studies, where faculty of the highest caliber led exceptional classes in worship and theological studies. . . . Treasured friends and family constantly encouraged my study and bolstered hope. May the peace, love, and grace of God abide in all of you. Deo Gratias.”
We will miss Tamara deeply. Let us weep with those who weep, and let us join with Tamara’s husband Timothy, their daughter Esther, and many family members and friends in releasing and commending Tamara to the God of all peace and comfort:
![Cross [IC XC NIKA Jesus Christ Victorious]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/111-e1364493814704.jpg)
we commend your servant Tamara.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you,
a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Receive her into the arms of your mercy,
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and into the glorious company
of the saints in light. Amen.”