Tumarra D. Taylor

Tumarra Devonde Taylor was born on Father's    Day, Sunday, June 18, 1979, to Trina E. Taylor and the Late Deacon Douglas H. Thompson in Columbia, SC. Her beautiful journey ended on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025. 

Tumarra was educated in the public schools of Richland County School District One, а 1997 graduate of Eau Claire High School, of Columbia, SC. She furthered her studies at Benedict College obtaining a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration and Economics in 2006. Her Walk with Christ At an early age of nine (9) years old, Tumarra gave her life to Christ, beginning her spiritual journey at Mount Olive Baptist Church, and later joined Temple of Zion Baptist Church. She was deeply rooted in her faith and would lend her gifts in ministry to Life Center, currently known as All Nations COGIC Church, and Living Word Temple of Deliverance to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. She continued her journey at Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church and most recently made Brookland Baptist Church (West campus), her spiritual home, where she served and was an active member until her passing. Before her passing, she embarked on intercessory training, adding a new dimension to her faithful ministry work. Prayer was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through every season with faith and strength. She loved Minister JaVonda T. Ellison's 4am prayer calls. Communion with God through prayer was not just a routine for her-it was a way of life. 

The Educator Tumarra had a passion for learning and would find herself creating a career in education. With great enthusiasm and passion, Tumarra would begin her teaching career at Bethel Learning Center, of Columbia, SC, serving as a Kindergarten Teacher, where she would obtain favor from all students, parents, and colleagues alike, making each child feel special and unique. After years with the Bethel Family, Tumarra would trust God's will for her life, and become the Founder and CEO of Above/Beyond Virtual Academy, empowering all of her students through innovative, personalized learning, catering to early childhood to 5th Grade. After successfully leading the school for seven (7) years, she decided to make a career change and transition to Corona, CA. Tumarra would later return to education supporting the Center for Learning, Inc., а private school of Columbia, SC where she continued her mission in education serving as the third-grade teacher, and later transitioning to the school's Academy Coordinator. 

The Psalmist Tumarra would create her space in California in 2016, after hearing the voice of God leading her to pursue music, as the next plan for her life. Lyrics would often floop her mind, and she would spend hours putting the perfect melodies and harmonies together, ensuring they would reach God's people. She would record and release her first single entitled "Covered" in June 2021, reminding us all that God always has our backs, and we can trust Him to do what He says He will do! A Psalmist in the truest sense, she gave voice to the spirit's stirring melodies. "Covered" would become the project that made her a household name in her community and beyond. She debuted this single in front of her family, church family, and friends in Columbia, SC. Tumarra was the newly appointed choir director of the Palmetto State Gospel Music Association (PSGMA). Her song "Covered" is the intro to "The PSGMA Internet Radio Show" hosted by Reverend Jesse Black. Just Tumarra Tumarra loved shopping! You would know her by her fashionable style, including the infamous "TuTu", beautifully styled hair and nails, and a 5-inch or higher pump. Thrifting and supporting consignment shops gave her great joy. Tumarra believed in and loved family, often instructing Te'Erica to coordinate and execute family dinners, as she preferred the role of an orchestrator. "Her kids" will remember her warmth and her support as she attended recitals, basketball games, graduations, and more. Tumarra found peace by the water, albeit a beach or a lake. She loved walking as it gave her another chance to connect with God and content for those reels to encourage your soul. She Will Be Missed.

Tumarra was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Nancy D. Taylor Sample, maternal grandfather, David Taylor, paternal grandmother, Vernell Thompson, paternal grandfather, Deacon Raymond Thompson, maternal aunt, Anita Taylor, and sister Chaka Lide-Garrick. 

She leaves to cherish her memories her nurturing and selfless mother, Trina Е. Taylor, of Columbia, SC; sisters, Te'Erica Taylor (Charles) Jackson, Jr., Tarra (Brent) McRavin, and Nivia Green, all of Columbia, SC; one brother, Amir (Shaelicia) Holmes, of Atlanta, Ga.; maternal aunts, Deirdre (Curtis) Murph, Gale Green, Elizabeth (Craig) Hall, and Angela Taylor, all of Columbia, SC; paternal aunts, Vivian Coaxum and Helen Dow, all of Columbia, SC; maternal uncle, Sef (Loida) Sample of Miami, FL; paternal uncles, Reverend Marshall (Lucy) Thompson, of Laplata, MD and Bobby Thompson, of Columbia, SC; her beloved niece, whom she shared a strong bond, and lovingly cared for as a daughter, Synthia Taylor Lewis of Columbia, SC; two special nephews cared for as sons, Fredrick Garrick, Jr. and Connor Garrick, all of Columbia, SC; a host of godchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends, all of whom will miss her immensely.

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