Tamara Sue (Thornton) Farris of Frisco, Texas passed away January 10, 2025 at the age of 66. She was born to William B. and Billie Lorraine (Ryan) Thornton on January 16, 1958 in Dallas, Texas.
A graduate of Richardson High School Class of 1976, she couldn’t wait to start working in the real world. Her first 22 years of business were invested as the Office Manager for one of Collin County’s most reputable underground construction firms, W. B. Thornton, Inc. There she worked for one of the toughest, gruffest bosses in town…Sweet Old Bill. They had an incredible bond, established lifelong friendships, and often battled it out over her “extended” lunch hours and morning traffic delays. (It’s a good thing she was able to do everything in 15 minutes!)
Her mother would say, “The man of your dreams isn’t just going to walk up to the door and knock.” Come to find out, a handsome painter with salt & pepper hair happened upon the porch one day, and after 9 years and many, many miles of driving between Plano and Farmersville, they married. Tammy pledged her love to Frank Houston Farris, III on November 1, 1997, at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, followed by a poolside reception on London Lane.
Tammy Faye. Tambo. TamSue. Aunt Tammy. “T”. Tammye Sue. All names of endearment called by those who loved her, she was also known as “Hostess”, “Caregiver” and “Friend”. In their aging years, she was the dutiful & loving daily caregiver for both her parents as well as oversaw business for her beloved “Grandmommie”.
Tammy really knew how to fill a room, open her home, and loved to host. As a long-standing member of the Junior League of Plano, she poured her heart into all manner of activities in service to others. Whether it was a baby shower, luncheon fundraiser, American Girl Fashion Show, or an overnight campout for her niece’s Camp Fire Girls, she organized it all into a fun, beautiful experience. She also loved playing Pokeno, marbles, canasta & cooking. (It’s been said it was her famous potato salad recipe that got her into Junior League all those years ago!)
Being welcomed into her spaces, guests would leave their troubles on the doorstep and put on their party hats. Whether this be the fiestas of Farris Frontier, events on Canongate, or holidays at Frisco Lakes, Frank & Tammy knew how to have a good time, encouraging you to pull off your shoes and stay a while!
Always ambitious, she learned her work ethic from her dad (...but may also have simply loved shopping with friends!) Making lifelong friends with every step, she worked at Zales and also established “Tammy’s Trinkets” to adorn giddy little girls and her friends with fun bows, clothing, and jewelry.
While she had no children officially, she was Aunt Tammy to many, and a stand-in mom for her niece Cheryl over 41 years. It’s impossible to describe their special relationship, and her forthcoming love for Cheryl’s children, who adoringly knew her as their “TamSue”. Their fun had truly just begun…
In her more recent years, Frank & Tammy were among the original residents of Frisco Lakes Neighborhood 5 and developed deep relationships in their community. Tammy was successful as an area real estate specialist, and well-loved in social circles where she could be found playing cards, hosting, and buzzing around on her golf cart. Neighborhood friends considered her a trustworthy confidant and extended family.
She is survived by her husband, Frank H. Farris III of Frisco, Texas; niece, Cheryl Thornton Bell and her husband, Kevin of Austin, Texas; stepson, Houston Farris and wife, Beverly of Frisco, Texas; stepson, Fletcher Farris and wife, Kelly of Sanger, Texas; Great Aunt Carole Sue Vento of Little Elm, Texas; cousin Travis “Chip” Stone of Little Elm, Texas; cousin Jeff Stone of Irving, Texas; cousin Diane Crandall of Carrollton, Texas; relatives Heidi Farris of Lisberg, Germany; Kathleen Jeffrey of Austin, Texas; Carol Chaney Stack of Aubrey, Texas; grandchildren, Francie Farris, Bowie Farris, Patton Farris, Addi Farris, William Bell, Madeline Bell, and Coraline Bell; and countless close friends.
Tammy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Grandmommie Loraine Ryan, and a brother.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2025 at Berkshire Chapel, 9073 Berkshire Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033. The service will also be live-streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Tammy’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/tamara-sue-farris. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.