Tamika L. Foster-Woodard, 39, of 320 Hickory Ridge Drive, Columbia, South Carolina, was born December 7, 1977. She was the beloved daughter of Valerie Foster and Reverend Frank (Carolyn) James. She transitioned to glory on November 30, 2016.

She was educated in the public schools of Richland County, graduating with C.A. Johnsons High School’s class of 1997. Tamika attended Pathway Medical Training Services in Sumter, South Carolina and became a certified Phlebotomist on March 14, 2008. She was awarded an additional certification from the National Healthcareer Association as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician on July 23, 2011. Her first job as a phlebotomist was at Providence Northeast; and from there, she moved on to Lexington Medical Center where she was currently employed.

Tamika, known to those close to her as Mika, was an incredible person who cherished spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed social gatherings, family reunions, birthday parties and all things that would bring everyone together, as Mika never met a stranger. She embraced all and was adored by many. She enjoyed reminiscing about childhood memories, researching her family ancestry and was acquiring a love of fishing.  It was one of her life goals to capture every moment on camera. Tamika had an outgoing personality and a very infectious smile. She was an amazing mother, loving daughter and a friend to all. 

Besides her husband, Shannon Woodard, Sr., those left to celebrate her legacy of love are her children: Darrell and Cedric Smith and Aaliyah Woodard, all of Columbia, South Carolina; stepson, Shannon Woodard, Jr. of Irmo, South Carolina; her mother, Valerie Foster of Blythewood, South Carolina; father and stepmother, Reverend Frank and Carolyn James of Irmo, South Carolina; her siblings: Antonio Foster of Blythewood, South Carolina, Conya Mouzon of Kingstree, South Carolina, Reverend Anthony Cooper of Greensboro, North Carolina and Lydia Frances James of Irmo, South Carolina; her great aunt, Mary Ford of Columbia, South Carolina; aunts and uncles: Charles and Linda Anderson of Columbia, South Carolina, Barbara Foster of Charleston, South Carolina, Reverend Henry James of New Haven, Connecticut, Reverend William Simon James and Reverend Mary James-Snowden of Kingstree, South Carolina, Vernell James of Miami, Florida, Wendy James-Guy of Dallas, Texas and Primus James of Atlanta, Georgia; a special friend, Randall Young of Columbia, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and devoted friends.