Tammy Blackburn

Tammy Diane (Emerick) Blackburn, daughter of Lawrence and Donna (Ridenour) Emerick, was born December 3, 1965, in Springfield, Missouri. She passed away February 22, 2025, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri, at 59 years of age.

 We gather here to celebrate the beautiful life of Tammy—a woman whose faith, creativity, and kindness left a mark on all who knew her. Saved and baptized at Seymour 1st Baptist Church, Tammy's spiritual journey was rooted in the promise of Romans 8:18: that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed. Her life echoed the call of Philippians 4:8 to dwell on what is good and pure, and she embraced 1 Thessalonians 5:17 by keeping her heart in constant prayer with God.

 Tammy was full of joy, always greeting each day with a smile that could light up any room. Her boundless energy and warmth radiated through every interaction—whether she was sharing a gentle word of encouragement or offering a listening ear. Her favorite quote, “love thy neighbor,” was more than just a saying; it was a way of life. Just as Christ instructs us. Her selflessness and genuine care for others were evident in every aspect of her being.

 She was known affectionately as our “craft queen”. She could do just about anything she put her hands on. Whether crocheting, quilting, gardening, woodworking, or preparing for her beloved purple martins and cardinals, her creativity knew no bounds. With Christian music filling the background, Tammy’s home was a vibrant patchwork of projects, each a testament to her joyful spirit and big heart. Her crafts were not just hobbies; they were expressions of her love for life and the beauty she saw in the world.

 Beyond her artistic talents, Tammy had an enduring love for the outdoors. Many found her contently seated on her porch, basking in the beauty of nature with the gentle companionship of her loving husband, Ron. Her porch was more than a simple gathering spot—it was a place of peace, reflection, and laughter.

 In honoring Tammy's memory, a park bench will soon be placed at Rotary Park in Marshfield. This bench will serve as a living memorial—a place for family and friends to sit, reflect, and enjoy birdwatching, much like Tammy did. It is a special spot meant for quiet time and joyful remembrance. For those wishing to honor her generous spirit further, contributions can be made to the funeral home or The Seymour Bank.

 Tammy’s life reflected faith, hope, and love. Her unwavering faith guided her every step, and her hands brought beauty and comfort to the lives of those around her. As we reflect on her legacy, let us be inspired by the way she lived—always with a smile, always with love, and always ready to turn even the simplest moments into a beautiful memory. 

 May we all strive to live with the same passion, creativity, and kindness that Tammy exemplified. Her spirit endures in every crafted piece, every whispered prayer, and every shared moment of beauty. Rest in peace, dear Tammy—you have left a legacy that will forever brighten our lives.

 Tammy was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Emerick; her stepmother, Tammy Lynn Emerick; one son, Jordan Leigh Blackburn; one sister, Lisa Emerick; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dale and Rosalyn Blackburn; and one nephew, Seth Shover.

 She is survived by her loving husband, Ron Blackburn; two daughters, Tonya Johnson and her husband, Matt, and Stephanie Hall and her husband, Codi; her father, Lawrence Emerick; four brothers, Larry Emerick, Terry Emerick and his wife, Trish, Ricky Emerick, and Michael Emerick; four grandchildren, Keaton Johnson, Kenadie Coffee and her husband, Dustin, Parker Johnson, and Hailey Johnson; one great-grandchild, Colter Wade Coffee and one great-grandchild on the way, Oaklynn Diane Coffee; two brothers-in-law, Rick Blackburn and Randy Blackburn and his wife, Orvella; two sisters-in-law, Vicky Gibson and her husband, David, and Roxanne Allen and her husband, Richard; her two puppies, Willow Grace and Sassy Red; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her very much

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Tammy Blackburn Park Bench Memorial in care of the funeral or The Seymour Bank.