Tammy Renaee’ Free, 56, of Benton, beloved mother, daughter, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 2, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Throughout life, Tammy was a faithful bank teller with Benton Banking Company (First Volunteer Bank), a dedicated employee at The Law Office of Chancey-Kanavos and ended her work career as a deputy clerk with the Bradley County Courthouse.  She regularly enjoyed watching the Golden Girls and on a daily basis, you could pass her on the highway and her car would be full of children, whom she loved deeply.  Her most accomplished title was that of being called Granna & Momma.  She was loved and enjoyed by many, had an infectious laughter that could be heard from anywhere, and didn’t go a day without referring to “My Sweet Baby Jesus.” 

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Gladys Price Rhodes and Harley Price; paternal grandparents, Sally and Howard Free; and sister, Rita Ledford. 

Survivors include her loving children, Brittani (Steve) Thompson, Joseph (Kristi) Ellis and Ashley Free; father, James Free; mother and step-father, Cora Lou (Richard “Sonny”) Tilson; grandchildren, Cambree Prueitt, Abby Thompson, Katy Thompson, Darby Jo Ellis, Lily Callihan, Keeli Free and Haizel Martin; and siblings, Roger Free, Kimberly (Troy) Pollay and Rick (Jane) Tilson.  Several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2021 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Pastor Pete Morgan officiating.  A private intimate farewell will be held on the banks of the Scenic Hiwassee River with Pastor Mike Hazlewood presiding.  
Her family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care received over the last several months, which include the healthcare workers at Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland, Dr. Samuel, Dr. Dunn, Dr. Krueger and Dr. Kinsey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and/or a donation of household items to Dr. Sylvia Krueger’s office to help better the treatment of her patients.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.