Tammy Kay Perkins

Tammy Kay Perkins, age 57, of Decatur, Georgia, born January 30th 1969, passed away on Saturday, June 20th. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tammy lived a life full of love, laughter, strength, compassion, and unforgettable memories.

Tammy was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was the daughter of Kathy Hamrick and George Hamrick, and is survived by her brother Donald Perkins and sister Linda Edwards (Perkins).

Family was the center of Tammy’s world. She was incredibly devoted to her children, her mother, and her grandchildren. Tammy was the proud mother of three beautiful children: her daughter Amanda Gooden and son in love Kyle Gooden and her two sons, Anthony Rutledge Senior and his wife Tamara. Andrew Rutledge Senior and his fiancé Brittany Rudolph.  Being a mother was one of her greatest joys, and she poured her love, support, and strength into her children throughout her life.

Tammy was a loving grandmother to six grandchildren: Jeremiah Rutledge, Anthony Rutledge Junior, Marisa Rutledge, Georgia Grace Rutledge, Kinley Gooden, and Andrew Rutledge Junior. She treasured every moment with them and loved showing up for their lives, especially attending and supporting their events. She was also a loving adoptive grandmother to TJ McPherson and Titan McPherson, who were also blessed by her love and care.

Tammy was known for being loving, incredibly thoughtful, outgoing, kindhearted, and one of the most generous people you could ever meet. She was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back without hesitation. Her compassion, generosity, and willingness to help others touched so many lives and created a legacy of love that will continue through everyone she impacted.

Tammy was a devoted caregiver for her mother and a hardworking woman throughout her life. She spent much of her life working in the service industry, where her dedication, personality, and high standards became well known. She earned the unforgettable nickname “Take It Back Tam” because she was never satisfied with poor restaurant service and was always willing to speak up—with her own humor, confidence, and unforgettable charm.

One of Tammy’s greatest accomplishments was her commitment to her recovery journey. She was an active member and huge supporter of Narcotics Anonymous, where she shared her strength, experience, and hope with others. She dedicated herself to helping people and supporting those on their own journeys. Her generosity, honesty, and encouragement made a lasting difference in many lives.

Tammy loved life and loved making memories. She enjoyed fishing, especially bass fishing and jugging catfish, traveling, going to the beach, reading, planting, gardening, and raising ducks and chickens. Some of her most treasured memories were made fishing and spending time outdoors with her children, creating moments filled with laughter, love, and stories her family will cherish forever.

Tammy had a fun, playful spirit and a sense of humor that could light up any room. She was a Mrs. Pac-Man and Galaga champion, loved playing cards, and had a way of making ordinary moments unforgettable. She enjoyed the simple joys in life, including eating whole pizzas on a whim with her son and sharing those funny, spontaneous moments that showed exactly who she was.

Tammy will forever be remembered for her huge heart, her kindness, her humor, her strength, and the love she gave so freely. She was a woman who cared deeply, loved fiercely, and always found a way to help others.

Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, adoptive grandchildren, family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched. Tammy’s laughter, generosity, strength, and love will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Tammy. You were deeply loved, and you will be missed more than words can express.

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