Tamala "Tammy" Jo Johnson

Tamala “Tammy” Jo Johnson was called home to be with the lord on July 27, 2023, after being a gift and a light on earth for nearly 59 years.

Born on August 16, 1964, to Sylvania Saxton and the late Francis Liggins in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a loving and supportive older sister to Patrice (Tricie) and Derrick.

She was a smart and creative student, graduating with high honors from Lawrence Central High School in Lawrence Township, Indianapolis, and later went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

It was at Ball State where she met the love of her life and future husband Jerome and made many friends who would later become lifelong extended family members.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Tammy found purpose and joy in her work helping hundreds of people over the years develop their unique gifts. She spent 23 years providing care and support in private, community and residential settings. In 2018 she opened Heartstrings 411 Counseling, LLC, working with individuals, groups and families specializing in trauma, substance use and crisis with individuals. She used honesty and openness to quickly build rapport with her clients, especially children and teenagers.

In her personal life, Tammy was fiercely spiritual and a God-fearing woman who had a strong relationship with the Lord. She was a member of Eastern Star Church under the pastorship of Rev. Jeffrey Johnson.

Tammy was preceded in death by her father Francis; stepfather Ronald Davis; and daughter Aljulia Rose “Julie.”

Tammy leaves to cherish her memory: her mother Sylvania Davis; husband Jerome; son Jerome Jr.; daughter Allana; 5 grandchildren, Kandyce, Kerrington, Jackson, Jerome III and Journi Johnson; sister Patrice Liggins; brother Derrick Davis; 5 sisters in-law; 1 brother in-law; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews. She also leaves behind special cousin Rhonda Hill and many special sister-friends who were like family including, Andrea “Fay” Barber-Dansby, Denise Cooley-Goolsby, Danella Hicks, Kim “Smiley” Pope, and Mary Taylor-Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46228. The family hour and visitation will begin at 10 a.m.