Tammy Tequita Thompson

Tammy Tequita Thompson was born on December 30, 1977, in Prescott, Arkansas, to Mattie Marlow and Leotis Thompson. From the moment she was born, she became her mother's "sweet bundle of joy," and her inner joy seemed to shine. Everyone loved her instantaneously, especially her grandmother, Christine Phillips. Tammy and Christine were inseparable until Christine's passing. As a child, she grew a love for back-flipping, gifting her mom with artistic drawings, and baking for her brother, Oscar Willingham, as she would use any items she could find to make her best dish, mud pies from outside.

Through Tammy's early years, her greatest moments were making friends and memories. During the school week, she would give her mom an updated report on what she and her friends did and what they planned to wear to school the next day before going outside and playing basketball with her brother. Tammy could not wait for the weekend when she had countless sleepovers and playdates with her bonus sisters, Latrena Beasley and Ebony "Shunta" Watson. In 1997, she graduated from Gurdon High School, and Tammy was eager to have unlimited time hanging out with her cousins and friends and start adulthood.

Tammy devoted her early adulthood to mothering her two beautiful daughters, Keyundra Thompson and Ashley Thompson. A few years later, she expanded her family and welcomed two handsome baby boys, Emmanuel Marks and Zacchaeus Boddie. The family of five quickly turned into a family of six in 2007 when Tammy met the love of her life and her "snugga-bugga," Brandon Ingram. Together, Brandon and Tammy raised four children and welcomed two grandchildren, Temperance Thompson and Zaire Gill. When not at work, she spent most of her free time traveling to sports events and being her kids' number one supporter. She was an active volunteer parent for Cabe Middle School and GHS G/T, Student Council, and Close-up organizations, as well as an active volunteer grandparent for Gurdon Head Start, where her grandchildren attend. She loved providing snacks for her granddaughter's kindergarten classroom. She was also known as a neighborhood aunt/mom.

She embraced many of her children's peers and didn't mind taking others under her wings as a mentor or mother figure. She also enjoyed competitive family game nights, playing tonk for pieces of candy, accompanying Brandon at the racetrack, and going to Benz to find a DVD for family movie nights. Tammy loved a good mixed CD, taking long car rides, and listening to Lyfe Jennings, Tupac, Marvin Sapp, and DeWayne Woods. She had a talent for making dinners from the most random ingredients that her children will spend a lifetime battling against each other trying to recreate. Tammy never let an opportunity to boast about her children pass her by. She was proud of their achievements as they inspired her to pursue her goals. On May 19, 2021, Tammy was licensed as a Pharmacy Technician and later studied to become a licensed Phlebotomist.

Tammy accepted Christ at a young age and was a lifelong member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Willing Workers Auxiliary. She and her mom would serve as mistress of ceremonies for church programs together. Tammy also dedicated her time as a chaperone on the church trips with Catina Clayborn. Tammy had a real love for helping others as she dedicated 15 years of service to Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation. Before then, her work history included Value Line Furniture and Hours of Joy Daycare.

Tammy was a gem who appreciated all that life gave her. Even in her diminished state near the end of her life, she appreciated her cousin, Pamela Quarrles, whom she voiced gave her continuous encouragement, family, the doctors, and other medical professionals who used their time and expertise to help make her comfortable. After a valiant fight with cancer and surrounded by her family, Tammy passed peacefully into the Lord's embrace on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Her presence will be missed by her parents, Mattie and Jimmy Marlow and Leotis Thompson; her better-half, Brandon Ingram; her beloved children, Keyundra Thompson of Gurdon, Ashley Thompson (Ya'Vontae) of Little Rock, Emmanuel Marks (Gracie) of Gurdon, and Zacceues Boddie of Gurdon; two grandchildren, Temperance Thompson and Zaire Gill; brothers, Oscar Willingham of Gurdon, Terell Thompson (Adrianna) of Little Rock, George Jones of Pelican, LA; Leotis Thompson, Jr., of Illinois; sister, Charlotte Thompson of Illinois; Rosalind Marlow (Phillip) of Little Rock, Raquel Haywood of Hot Springs; bonus sister, Latrena Beasley of Gurdon, Ebony Watson of Little Rock and bonus brother, Anton Watson of Carolina; aunts: Debra Livingston, Mary Francies Beasley (Henry), Lucille Beasley, Viola Henry (Sidney), Nancy Beasley, Elizabeth Garner, Lola Tucker (Travis), Mary Gentry, Mary Marlow, Marion Arnold, Willie Mae Harvell, Alene Kelly; uncles: Dennis Beasley (Dorthy), Eddie Beasly Sr. (Matt), Donnie Beasley (Claira), John Marlow, J.C. Marlow, Billy Lidge, several nieces and nephews; a host of cousins; close friends: April Simpson, Tracy Bell, Vanda Williams, Glenda Daniels, and Marsha Danner, a vast support system of many other friends and the New Mt., Zion Baptist Church family.

Summitted by the Thompson Family

A celebration of her life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church with Rev. Rufus Hatley, eulogist. The interment will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to wear shades of purple as a part of her celebration of life.

Active Pallbearers will be Emmanuel Marks, Zacchaeus Boddie, Dewayne Marlow, Anton Watson, Demond Beasley, and Terrell Thompson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Oscar Willingham, Roman Montgomery, Sam Bell Sr., Eddie Beasley Sr., Marvin Ingram, Donnie Beasley, David Young, and Ya’Vontae Christopher.

We will forever appreciate our family and friends, both from near and far, for the endless outpouring of love, support, and prayers at this difficult time. You have shown us love through meals, cards, multiple phone calls, flowers, and visits. We will be forever thankful. May God bless all of you.