Tammy Jan Pickering, 61, of Lubbock, Texas, and formerly of Pampa, passed away peacefully, no longer hurting or battling dependency, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a life filled with love, laughter and determination.
Born on July 30, 1963, in Pampa, Texas, Tammy was the eldest of two children of Bill and Deana Carter.
Tammy attended Pampa High School before finding her calling in cosmetology. With her God-given talents, she attended cosmetology school, where she discovered a deep fulfillment in helping others see their best selves. Over the course of her career, she built a thriving clientele and eventually opened her own salon, Tammy’s Cutup’s. For 32 years, Tammy’s salon became more than just a place for haircuts—it was a sanctuary for self-esteem, laughter, and community connections. Her clients always left feeling better than when they arrived, often treated to Tammy’s humor, warmth, and unforgettable stories.
Outside of work, Tammy found joy in gardening, cooking, and home décor. Her green thumb was apparent as she showcased her garden in the Las Pampas Garden & Pond Tour. She also had a passion for refurbishing furniture and frequently surprised her family with new interior designs—keeping everyone on their toes as the home décor evolved.
Tammy’s love for cooking was unmatched, often feeding her loved ones with meals created from the heart and even continuing to buy cookware online after moving into the nursing home.
Known for her elegance and class, Tammy possessed a radiant smile and a hearty laugh that could light up a room. Her feisty spirit, candid honesty, though sometimes blunt, and boundless curiosity were qualities deeming her unique.
Tammy was truly one of a kind, a masterpiece of God’s handiwork, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Tammy joins her mother, Deana Carter; brother, Billy Carter; and grandparents, W.A. and Berta Carter, in eternal rest.
She is survived by her loving family: her three children, Natashia Linder of Shallowater, Texas, Dustin Forney and his wife Caylie of Pampa, and Braden Pickering of Shaddock, Oklahoma; her father, Bill Carter of Pampa; her brother, David Carter and his wife Brenda McCullough of Pampa; and ten cherished grandchildren: Maddison, Jace, Jacelynn, Justyce, Brilynne, Legend, Bryson, Jaxton, Te’ya, and Te’ante. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous extended family members and friends.
The family will honor Tammy’s life with a Celebration of Life Memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at The Carpenter’s Church in Pampa, officiated by Brother Jim Sinyard. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tammy’s memory to The Carpenter’s Church, 639 Barnes St., Pampa, TX 79065.
For those wishing to share words of peace, comfort and encouragement for the family on Tammy’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.