Obituary of Tamra Miller Caruk

Tamra “Tammy” Miller Caruk, 63, of Columbia, wife of the late John Joseph Caruk, passed away on Wednesday, December 20^th, 2023 peacefully in her home. Daughter of Neal C. Miller and Lucinda H. Miller, Tammy was born on July 14, 1960 in Florence, South Carolina.

Tammy was a graduate of Spring Valley High School in 1978, where she then went on to receive a degree from the University of South Carolina in Retail Management. She held various positions in different cities, but her most noteworthy career spanned 28 years at Hammond School where she ultimately retired as Executive Assistant to the Headmaster. Following her retirement, she dedicated herself to caring for her husband, John Caruk, during his two-year battle with esophageal cancer until his passing. In honor of John, Tammy established an antique retail business named "Not Forgotten," where she worked until her own passing.   

Her unwavering love, devotion, and commitment were not limited to John, as she also cared for her mother, Lucinda, until her passing in June of 2022. Despite the challenges and heartaches she faced, Tammy was known for her profound affection towards her sons and her three cherished grandsons: Bennett, Marshall, and Banks. Since the arrival of her first grandchild in 2018, she was lovingly referred to as "Nana" more so than Tammy. Nana was a consistently reliable, vibrant, and enthusiastic grandmother who would drop everything to spend time with her boys. Her favorite pastime involved creating lasting memories with her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, whether it was during a beach vacation or a simple backyard barbecue.

Tammy is survived by her children, Blake Johnson (Ashley H) and Corbin Johnson (Ashley B); grandchildren, Bennett, Marshall, and Banks; sister, Tonya Smith (Jon); nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 28^th at 11am at Greenlawn Memorial Park.