Tami Shanafelt

Tami Lee Shanafelt, 59, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025 at her home in Dallas. Tami was born January 8, 1966 in Fort Worth to Gary and Toni (Barreda) Martin. She married Sammy Shanafelt September 23, 1995 in Jacksboro, TX.

Tami knew how to live life to the fullest. She approached each day with an infectious positivity, always seeking joy and fun in everything she did. Whether she was organizing getaways with friends, hosting weekends at the ranch with family, taking vacations with her husband, or creating magical holidays, she did it all with passion and flair. She loved to tease, scare, and laugh—sometimes at you, sometimes with you—but always in good fun.

Tami had a deep appreciation for food. Name a restaurant, and she could instantly recommend the best dish, along with a few backup options, all from memory. She was the go-to for advice, offering wisdom to friends, family, and coworkers alike. She had a rare gift for telling you not what you wanted to hear, but what you needed to hear—always with love and honesty.

You didn’t have to be perfect for Tami to love you. All she needed from you was honesty and the capacity for unconditional love. She was the best friend, the best mom, the best daughter, the best coworker, the best grandma, and the best wife.

Her absence leaves an immeasurable void, but her love and spirit will be forever missed and cherished.

Survivors include her husband, Sammy Shanafelt; daughters, Taryn Bazhaw and Sierra Caya and her husband, Connor Caya; sons, Samuel Shanafelt and his wife, Kamberlyn Shanafelt, and Brandon Bazhaw and partner, Erica Mata; mother, Toni Martin; and sister, Traci Beck and her husband, Danny Beck; grandchildren, Ledger, Natasha, and Eva; mother-in-law, Virginia Shanafelt and father-in-law, Sam Shanafelt.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gary Martin.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel.