Dr. Tammy (Tambone) Clemons

Dr. Tammy (Tambone) Clemons, 52, was born on Jan. 1, 1973, in Richmond, KY. She passed from cancer at home on Jan. 4, 2025, in Berea,. She is survived by her loving wife Timi Reedy, her dog Lucy, her kitties, and the natural world which she dearly loved. Tammy’s sparkle was nurtured in childhood by her dear mammaw and pappaw (Howard and Ruby Kidd Clemons) in Montgomery County, KY. Tammy’s parents, Ivan Dewain Clemons and Gwen Clemons, died just months before her, and she is survived by Ivan’s partner (Nuther Mother) Carole Hall.

Tammy was ornery, brilliant, funny, loyal, generous, insightful, kind and creative with a penchant for adventure and scholarly pursuits. Her smile brightened gatherings of beloved friends, human and beyond. She made the best coffee and enjoyed great food. She particularly enjoyed working with zines and with the youth of Appalachia, whether it was oral history or art and media education. She was committed to the region and the people here in Appalachia and served incessantly up until her passing.

Tammy was a graduate of Berea College, receiving the college’s first Women's Studies degree in 1999, and she later served as Sustainability Coordinator and taught Peace Studies courses there. A strong ecofeminist and lifelong learner and teacher, she earned a Master of Theological Studies from the Harvard Divinity School in 2001, and a Graduate Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies and M.A. and Ph.D. in cultural Anthropology from the University of Kentucky.

She was dearly loved and held in the highest regard by those who knew her well, and she and Timi appreciated the community that loved them back and supported Tammy through her last months.

Tammy chose to not have a service. There will be a celebration of her wonderful life in the spring. Tammy built a solar home with Timi and was a longtime advocate of renewable energy, so in lieu of flowers we ask that you please make a donation to Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest Appalachia- https://www.appalachia-spi.org/