Tamara Lester

Tamara Willis Lester, known affectionately as Tamara, or Tam, was the kind of person who could light up a room with her laughter and leave a trail of smiles long after she'd left. Born on July 28, 1971, in the modest town of Sea Level, NC, she was the spirited daughter of Johnny and Audrey Willis. Tamara's journey came to an abrupt end when took her last breath in Atlantic, NC on July 6, 2024, after being hit by a motor vehicle, leaving behind a legacy of joy and selflessness.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Bridgeway Church of Beaufort. All are welcome and please come as you are. The family will receive friends following the service.

Tamara's tale is one of love and laughter, woven through the lives of those she cherished. She is survived by her adored daughter Joni Gavetti and son-in-law Brandon, who considered Tamara not just a mother but a true friend.

Tamara is also survived by her brother Marty Willis, his wife Ginny, and their children Mandi and Bryson all of Atlantic.

Tamara's bond with her best friend Lori Beth Emory Hill, of Atlantic was the stuff of legends, an unbreakable connection that began in the innocent days of elementary school and from there the soul sisters became forever confidant in each other, and "partners in crime" from time to time.

She will be missed deeply by Mark Lester, the love of her life, where they shared in laughter and love that filled their new home together in Atlantic.

The title of 'Meme' was one Tamara wore like a badge of honor, a role she stepped into the moment her grandson Joseph Gavetti Jr. arrived on December 23, 2010. She found her "twin" in her granddaughter Jada Audreanne, and the trio of Joseph, Jada, and Meme became an inseparable force of fun and frolic. But why stop at two? Meme's heart grew even larger with the birth of her second grandson, Brexdon Daryl, completing her grandparental entourage. There was nothing she would not do for those 3 children, along with her other honorary two, Madison Smith and Bella Mendoza .Children were enthralled by her fun-loving spirit, and more than likely, her inability to tell them no! They all knew her love was unconditional.

Despite becoming a young mother at 15, Tamara's tenacity shone through as she continued her education earning her high school diploma through Carteret Community College. Her thirst for knowledge led her back to Carteret Community College, where she styled her future with a Cosmetology License.

She spent her present life as a dedicated housekeeper, and with the good Lord, plain ol luck or maybe both, she spent her last week working alongside her daughter, something they would so dearly cherish more than they'd ever realized.

Tamara's zest for life was as uncontainable as her infectious laugh. She was the embodiment of the saying, "Life's a party, and everyone's invited." Whether basking in the sun by the pool, making the lives of loved ones easier by lending a hand, enjoying boat rides with Mark or banks days with Brandon, Joni, and the grandbabies, she was the heart and soul of every gathering. Her grandkids were her world, and she was their fearless leader on countless adventures.

Selfless, loving, friendly—Tamara saw the positive in everything she done. Never negative, and even on her worst day, ready to cheer someone else up.

In her life, Tamara never met a stranger, only friends she hadn't shared a laugh with yet. Her ability to find joy in the little things—a warm smile, a kind gesture, a shared joke—was her superpower. She approached life with the philosophy that a good time was always to be had, and anyone who knew her can attest that she was the life of every party.

Tamara Lynn's story is not one of sadness but of celebration. She graced this world for 53 years, and in that time, she taught us all how to live with a full heart and an open hand. As we bid her farewell, let's honor her memory by living as she did—with love, laughter, and a belief that every day is a good day for a good time. Just remember, as Tamara would say, "Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth!"

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net.

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.