Obituary | Tamara Jean Kincaid of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Tamara Jean Kincaid, lovingly known as Tami, passed away peacefully in Bluffton, South Carolina on
September 20, 2025 with her daughter, Terra, by her side. Tami was 76 when she ended her long
and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on March 11, 1949, in Warren, Ohio, Tami was the daughter of Meredith and Regina Irons, both
of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Terra Dunaway, son-in-law, Ray
Dunaway, and her grandchildren, Summer and Marc Dunaway. Her family was her greatest joy, and
she poured love and wisdom into each of their lives. She is also survived by her daughter, Tanya
Kincaid, son-in-law, Josh Lunn, and grandsons Jonah and Cyrus Kincaid.
Tami graduated from Howland High School in Howland Township, Ohio. Her academic journey led
her to earn a Bachelor’s in Education from Case Western Reserve and a Master’s in Human
Resources from Webster University. She dedicated her entire career to teaching. She taught natural
science in the public school systems, in Florida, Illinois, and Ohio. She spent 34 years teaching
college mathematics at Louisville Technical Institute, a division of Sullivan University, where she also
served as Dean for five years. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired, many of
whom credit her with shaping their professional paths and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, Tami was a woman of many passions. She was a certified Cecchetti ballerina,
she taught dance and swimming, she became a Reiki Master, she collected crystals, and she
believed in the healing power of positivity. Tami embraced all living beings with compassion…even
snakes. During her childhood, Tami was a member of the Howland Community Church in Ohio. Her
faith as a devout Christian of the Unitarian Church guided her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness.
Tami lived by the motto: “If you can’t have fun doing it, it’s not worth doing!” She believed in treating
everyone with equal respect—whether they were the CEO or the janitor—and accepted people for
who they were, so long as they were good at heart. Her warmth, humor, and generosity touched
everyone she met.
A celebration of life, in Tami’s honor, will be held at the Dolphin Head Recreation Area in Hilton Head
Plantation (171 Dolphin Head Lane) on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The ceremony will begin at
6PM, followed by a catered gathering for family and friends to share memories and stories of her life.
You are invited to wear bright colors in honor of Tami’s vibrant spirit.
 Please contact the family soon if you need a security pass to enter the neighborhood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Humane Society, honoring Tami’s deep love
for animals and all living creatures.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Vineyard of Bluffton and Agape Hospice, who
cared for Tami with tenderness and devotion, and to the many friends who have offered strength and
support throughout this journey.
In her memory, we ask that you smile at someone, compliment someone, and help someone in need.
That’s what Tami did, everyday.

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