Tammy Benea Blevins of Johnson City, TN, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of her story.
Memory has a way of softening time.
Tammy Taylor "Turtle" Blevins, 60, Johnson City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Holston Manor, Kingsport, after a long-term battle with poor health.
Tammy was a native of Avery County, NC, and a former resident of Gray. She was a daughter of the late Archie Jackson and Roma Jean Fields Taylor.
Tammy attended Elizabethton High School, and was in the class of 1983.
She worked most of her adult life as a well-known Bartender in several local restaurants and bars.
Tammy loved animals, especially her dog Shadow. She also enjoyed karaoke with her companion Rusty.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Taylor, and the love of her life, Rusty Turbyfield, who often referred to her as "Tuff Tammy" throughout her illness.
Tammy is survived by her two sons, Joe Stout and wife Vanessa, Elizabethton, and Casey Blevins, Elizabethton; five grandchildren, Kylie Stout, Marley, Jaxson, Anakin and Lily Blevins, all of Elizabethton; sister, Jackee Taylor Johnston and husband Jason, Johnson City, brother, Gary Taylor and wife Regina, Charleston, SC, sister, Maria Gwin and husband Josh, Johnson City; several nieces, nephews, and many special friends, including Bill Dean.
It was tammy's request to be cremated. Her memorial service will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 2:00 P.M., in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Pastor Samuel Grear, officiating.
The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the East Parlor of the funeral home.
