Tammy Gibson Dillard (Combs), 59, of San Antonio, Florida, passed away on May 7th, 2021, after a short, aggressive battle with cancer, passing peacefully with her family by her side at Tampa General Hospital.

Tammy was born in the summer of 1961 in Plymouth, Michigan, the eldest child of Raymon and Sandra Combs. Raised in a proud General Motors family outside Detroit, she grew up active in her church, where she made friendships she kept for the rest of her life. She earned her bachelor's degree in Education at Eastern Michigan University, where she was a sister of Phi Mu, and later earned her master's degree and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.

Her first teaching job took her to a small Christian school in Alabama, and it was there, as a young adult, that her childhood faith grew into something deeper — a personal relationship with Jesus that remained at the center of her life. She returned to Michigan and devoted herself to at-risk students in the Detroit area, then in the early 1990s began a new chapter in Florida, raising her twins, Aaron and Ashley, as a single mother. Family always came first for Tammy, and anyone who knew her would tell you that raising those two was her proudest work.

Tammy spent decades with Pasco County Schools, serving students at James Irvin Alternative Education School, Pasco High School, Woodland and Centennial Elementary, and Zephyrhills High School. She turned down school leadership positions more than once because they would have meant less time with her family. Even so, she led in every way that mattered, as a department head, committee chair, girls golf coach, and sponsor of National Honor Society, Student Council, and multiple graduating classes. For several years she also taught as an adjunct professor at Pasco-Hernando State College, and she loved mentoring the next generation of counselors as supervisor of the University of South Florida's Master's of Counseling internship program. Tammy's true gift was simpler than any title: she listened. Countless students found their way to her office over the years and left with guidance, encouragement, or just the certainty that someone was in their corner. Many say they would not be who or where they are today without her; some say they would not be here at all. Tammy also served as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children in the court system.

Beyond her work, Tammy was known for her infectious laugh, her bright smile, and a warmth that made her the life of every party. She was generous in every sense, with her time, her spirit, and her means, and her children's friends were always welcomed, included, and loved like her own. She treasured nothing more than time with her family, whether it was trips to Disney

World, road trips back to Michigan, or adventures near and far. She was a devoted daughter and sister, and a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews.

In retirement, Tammy married the love of her life, Ed Dillard, moved to a ranch, and embraced life as a cowgirl. She traveled the world with her family and was ecstatic to welcome her first grandchild, who arrived just two weeks before her passing.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Ed; her children, Aaron (Gabriela), Ashley (Nicholas) her grandchildren Zoey and, arriving posthumously, Denver, Kaia, and Noah; her parents, Raymond and Sandra; her siblings, Joe and Susan; and her nieces and nephews, Emilee, Andrew, Joey, Dylan, Carly, and Oscar.

A celebration of life in honor of Tammy will be held on Tuesday, May 11th at 4pm at New Walk Church in Zephyrhills, followed by a reception with light refreshments at the church.