Tamita "Tami" Lee

Tamita R. Lee age 59, went suddenly to be with the Lord on Monday, June 19, 2023, at her home. Tami, as she was known to everyone, was born on a crisp 5th of December in 1963, Tami was welcomed and beloved as the 8^th and youngest child of Donald Bladen and Wayva (King) Bladen in Marion, Indiana.

Tami and her family moved to Vicksburg when she was quite young. She attended Vicksburg Community Schools, graduating in 1983. Briefly, she attended God’s Bible School & College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Finding college was not her style, she returned home to join the workforce.

On a warm Sunday morning in June 1990, Tami knew it was time for her baby to be born. After a lengthy labor, with her 2 sisters by her side, Tami delivered her one and only child Arman Bladen. He was the light of her life, and she was so proud of all he did! To support her little family Tami started working at McDonald’s in Schoolcraft where she remained as a crew member for 15 years. Throughout this time, she made many friends, including one person in particular, her closest friend Richard.

After a whirlwind courtship, Tami and Richard wed in the summer of 2006. Their wedding was everything she ever wanted down to the tiara on her head. She felt like a true princess! After settling into married life, Tami had many hobbies that filled her days. She was an avid reader of all things, and even wrote a couple of short stories of her own. She also was an artist enjoying drawing, coloring, and painting and needle work, as her sisters and nieces can attest with the many artistic pieces that were gifted to them over the years. Most recently, she and Richard were part of “Don’s Crew” bowling team. They enjoyed spending time knocking down pins at Airway Lanes, although most of the pins seemed to see Tami’s ball coming and they would jump, never getting taken down.

She loved with her whole heart, giving the shirt off her back to any and all in need, sometimes forsaking her own needs. Her health had declined over the last years, lessening her ability to get out and about as much as she would like. This rarely affected her ability and desire to attend services at the Christian Pilgrim Church in Vicksburg, where she worshiped for the last 20 years. She loved Jesus and greatly valued her relationship with her Heavenly Father.

Left behind to hold her memory close in their hearts are her husband Richard Lee, son Arman Bladen of Vicksburg, her siblings Paul (Barb) Bladen of Ottawa IL; Ken (Beverly) Bladen of Cedar Springs, MI; Jeffery (Cindy) Bladen of Indianapolis, IN; LaDonna (Phil) Brunow of Vicksburg, MI; Stefan (Sallie) Bladen of Kalamazoo, MI; Lydia (Rob) Raines of New Castle, IN; mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Wayva Bladen and oldest sister Tonya Bladen.

The family would like to express great thanks and appreciation for all the efforts from the responding crews of South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority, Life EMS, WMed Physicians, and Detective Ryan McCain from Kalamazoo County Sherriff’s Department.

While visiting Tami’s memory page at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 409 S. Main Street Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697).