Tamara "TJP" Jean Patterson
March 14, 1966 ~ January 31, 2025
Tamara “TJP” Jean Patterson passed away, Friday, January 31, 2025.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold “Prince Hal” and Carol Jean Patterson; brother, David (Kathy) Patterson; nephew, Shawn Valentine; and sweet cat, Zachariah. Those left to mourn her loss are her pride and joy, Jordan (Ari) Hawk; sister, Angela (Mike) McThomas; nieces, Jessie McThomas, Brittany (Josh) Detherage, Courtney (Carson) Kettlehake, Daisy Kettlehake; and nephew, Jaiden Detherage.
Tamara was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Rozel, KS and later became a member of College Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, KS
Tamara attended Pawnee Heights Public Schools for K-12th grades. She attended undergraduate and post graduate degrees finishing with a Specialist in Education Degree in School Psychology. After one year serving early childhood to 12th grade in Norton, KS, Tamara moved to Wichita, KS and proudly worked for the Wichita Public Schools for 34 years. During her time in Wichita, she achieved many accomplishments including being awarded the State of Kansas School Psychologist Award in 2021. She also proudly served on both local and state school psychologist association boards.
Tamara served students at Robinson Middle School for 32 years. During that time she served in a leadership capacity for academic and behavior groups, family engagement, cultural proficiency, special education leader, and child study team leader.
Not only did Tamara commit her life to supporting special needs populations, she would undoubtedly say she enjoyed a passion for coaching the Robinson Girls Basketball Team. She coached for over a decade, delighting in the relationships she built with the girls and their progress and growth.
Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 am, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
Memorials have been established with Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219.
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Tamara was a great example to her professional colleagues of how to be an excellent school psychologist. She will be remembered and missed by many. I am so glad I had the chance to work with her.
It was an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure to work with TJP and also to consider her my friend. Christie was always professional with a side of fun. Love and miss you, friend.
What a huge loss this is. Not only was Tamara an excellent psychologist who dedicated herself to students, she also was an exemplary human being. My condolences go to her family.
Although I had not worked with Tammy for many years, she showed at act of true kindness when I had knee replacement. She loaned me her ice machine that promoted the healing. That simple act reveals her true character.
What a great loss to the school psychology community. TJP was a dedicated, caring professional and friend. My condolences to the family.
Coach P was one of my favorite coaches that I played under! Her fiery energy and passion for the game and her players will not be forgotten! I wish I would have visited her and let her know I am now a teacher myself! You will be very missed Coach P!
Coach was always a very friendly & welcoming person. I got to know here while I was coaching the Girls Basketball team at East and would at least once a year go and talk to her players and then watch a game as well.
She was always friendly and her players came with a knowledge for the game and great work ethic.
Tamara, know that you will be remembered every day for your joy in a life of service to others.
I was very privileged to work with TJP for a short amount of time, about a year. She had a love and compassion for doing the best for kids and ensuring their needs were met. She worked very hard, and diligently! We will miss you TJP! Thanks for being a light to shine, and a great part of an IEP team!