Obituary for Dr. Tamara. M. Abiona

With a heart weighed down beyond what words can carry, I announce the passing of my beloved wife, Dr. Tamara, who was called home far too soon at the age of 50. She was born to the late Alton Harris and Cynthia Fisher on December 1,1975 in Jamica. Her departure has left a sacred silence in our home and an ache in our hearts that time cannot erase. Our lives have been forever altered by her absence.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Above all else, Tamara loved the Lord Jesus Christ with her whole heart. Her life was anchored in faith, and everything she did flowed from her deep reverence for the Word of God. She used Scripture to encourage, to teach, to uplift, and to restore everyone placed in her path. Her walk with God was not just professed it was lived daily.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

Tamara was my love, my partner, my refuge, and my safe place. She was a woman of uncommon strength, quiet courage, and unwavering kindness. She loved deeply, gave selflessly, and carried her family with grace, even through the hardest seasons of life. To know her was to feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for.
"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." (Proverbs 12:4)

She leaves behind two precious boys, growing into men of honor, integrity, and purpose living reflections of her love and example. She was their comfort, their teacher, their greatest encourager, and their home. They adored her, and her love continues to breathe through them every day. Tamara is also survived by her devoted mother; sisters and brothers; nieces and nephews; extended family; dear friends; colleagues; and professional associates, all of whom were touched by her warmth, wisdom, and gentle strength.
"Her children arise and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28)

Education was not merely an accomplishment for Tamara it was a calling. She firmly believed in the transformative power of knowledge and lifelong learning. She earned a first degree in Social Work, multiple master's degrees, two PhDs in counseling, and numerous professional certifications. She was also a certified Chaplain and a proud member of the American Christian Association of Counselors. Yet even with these achievements, she remained a lifelong student always seeking greater understanding and wisdom.
"Get wisdom, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)

Tamara's professional journey was a reflection of her servant heart. She worked in schools, hospitals, and other professional settings in Jamaica, spent time in the United Kingdom, and later continued her academic and professional work in the United States, including her service at Hillcrest Educational Centers. Inc. Wherever she served, she brought compassion, excellence, and a sincere desire to heal, guide, and uplift others.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

Words will never fully capture what Tamara meant to us or the depth of this loss. We miss her voice, her smile, her presence, and the quiet strength she brought into every space. Though she is no longer with us in body, she is not gone. She lives on in our memories, in our love, and in every heartbeat of the family she so faithfully held together.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… for their works follow them." (Revelation 14:13)

I miss you, my love, my best friend, my confidant. The world is not the same without you. Rest now in perfect peace, in the arms of the Lord you loved so deeply.
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8)