Tami Carol (Light) Wilson – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Tami Carol Wilson passed away on April 25, 2026, at the age of 63, prompting tributes from those who knew her joyful presence. Born on February 20, 1963, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to parents Charles Henry Light and Goldie Carol Light (Bennett), she touched lives through her laughter and tales. Her life reflected a deep commitment to family, creativity, and Pentecostal beliefs, qualities that family members continue to celebrate amid their grief.
A Life Marked by Laughter and Creativity
Wilson embodied a spirited warmth that drew people close. Her laughter filled rooms, and she possessed a natural talent for storytelling that captivated listeners. These traits defined her interactions, making her a cherished figure among friends and relatives.
She pursued simple pleasures with enthusiasm, frequently browsing yard sales for treasures. Creativity flowed through her in other forms as well, including drawing and immersing herself in adult coloring books. As a devoted member of the Pentecostal faith, she held her convictions close, integrating them into her daily existence.
The Family She Held Dear
Wilson’s family formed the core of her world, and she nurtured those bonds with unwavering devotion. Her husband, Jimmy Wilson, stood by her side through the years, while her daughter, Erica Wilson, carried forward her mother’s loving legacy. Her mother, Carol Light, along with sisters Ana, Michele, and India Light, remained pillars in her life.
Extended family added layers to her support network. She leaves behind a sister-in-law, Carolyn Wilson, and brothers-in-law Charles Wilson, Tom Bradford, and Bobby Wilson. Nieces and nephews, including Daniel Light and his wife Becky, Jennifer Cole, Macy and her husband Izaiah Galvez, and Whitney and her husband Dion Cole, will remember her fondly. Great-nephew Bennett Light and great-nieces Nevaeh Cole, Jayden Cole, Leighton Light, and Elizabeth Galvez round out the younger generation she influenced, alongside numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Honoring Those Who Went Before
Wilson joined several loved ones who had passed earlier. Her father, Charles Henry Light, had preceded her, as had her grandparents Clarence and Hattie Bennett, and Louis and Frances Light. These family members shaped her early years in Fort Smith.
Also gone ahead was her mother-in-law, Mary Robertson, whose memory lingered in family gatherings. The losses over time underscored the continuity of family ties that Wilson valued throughout her life.
Details of the Memorial Services
Family and friends gathered for a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Lewis Funeral Chapel. The event provided a space for shared remembrances of her vibrant personality. Arrangements reflected the community’s respect for her life.
A funeral service followed at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, also at Lewis Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Rick Yarberro officiating. Pallbearers included Daniel Light, Wesley Glasgow, Charles Wilson, and Izaiah Galvez, honoring her through their service. Interment took place at Steephill Cemetery, committing her to rest among familiar grounds. Lewis Funeral Chapel managed all services.
What Matters Now: Tami Carol Wilson’s passing reminds those in Fort Smith of the quiet impacts made through everyday joy and faith. Her family encourages memories shared in the days ahead, preserving her storytelling legacy.
In reflecting on Wilson’s life, her ability to infuse ordinary moments with laughter stands as a quiet testament to resilience. Family members now navigate forward, drawing strength from the warmth she provided. Her story, rooted in Fort Smith, endures through the lives she enriched.