In Loving Memory of Tammy Southards: A Life Lived with Passion, Freedom, and Love
Townsend, Tennessee – A heartbreaking loss has shaken the hearts of two communities—Townsend, Tennessee, where she lived, and Lithia Springs, Georgia, where her roots were planted—as family and friends mourn the tragic passing of Tammy Southards, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Thursday. She was a beloved mother, daughter, friend, and free spirit whose life, though tragically cut short, was filled with beauty, boldness, and heartfelt memories that those who knew her will carry forever.
Tammy’s death comes as a painful shock to all who knew her. She was doing something she truly loved—riding her motorcycle, feeling the wind, the freedom, and the peace that came with it. That spirit of adventure and independence was at the core of who Tammy was. She wasn’t just a woman who enjoyed the open road—she was someone who lived every moment on her terms, with courage, passion, and a heart full of love.
Tammy made her home in the scenic foothills of Townsend, a place that matched her love for nature, quiet freedom, and winding roads. But her journey began in Lithia Springs, Georgia, where she built lasting relationships and unforgettable memories. Everywhere she went, Tammy left a mark—not just for her fearless approach to life, but for her kindness, her laughter, and her deep, genuine love for her family.
Those who knew Tammy will remember her as someone who found joy in the simple things. She loved antique stores, where she’d wander through aisles with a sparkle in her eye and a memory tied to each vintage treasure. She loved hiking, embracing nature and the feeling of being alive in the mountains she cherished. She found peace in the sight of roses and fascination in the flight of dragonflies—symbols that now take on new meaning for those grieving her absence.
Her daughter, Mia, offered a deeply moving tribute in the wake of her mother’s passing—a letter filled with emotion, remembrance, and unbreakable love:
“Dear mom,
I’ll miss you during Halloween, when I’m hiking, and when I’m at antique stores. I’ll think of you when I see people riding, but I won’t think of the bad. I’ll think about how much you loved it and how free you felt. I’ll think of you when I see roses and dragonflies. You’ll always be in my mind and in my heart. I might not be ready to accept what has happened right now but I know you’re always going to be here beside me. I love you, and I’m happy knowing you left this earth doing something you loved so much.
Your daughter,
Mia.”
It’s through these tender words that the depth of Tammy’s love and impact is most clearly felt. She was more than a rider, more than a mother—Tammy was a soul full of stories, a woman who embraced every chapter of life with openness and joy, and someone whose energy could brighten even the darkest day.
As the news of Tammy’s passing spreads, her family has received an outpouring of support from both her hometown and the wider riding community. Her life is being honored not only with tears, but with stories—stories of long rides, shared laughter, late-night talks, and warm hugs that made everything feel okay. She was the kind of person who made people feel seen and loved.
In the days ahead, memorial services will be planned to celebrate Tammy Southards’ life—a life lived boldly, with grace and grit. Details will be shared with loved ones and community members who wish to pay their respects and honor her memory in a way that reflects the joy, freedom, and fierce love she carried with her every day.
Tammy’s presence may no longer grace this earth, but her spirit rides on—in the hum of a motorcycle engine, in the rustle of leaves along a trail, in the beauty of a blooming rose, and in the delicate wings of a dragonfly dancing in the sunlight.
Ride free, Tammy. Your journey continues in every heart you touched. You will never be forgotten.