Tara Williams

Tara Williams – April 11, 1977 – July 3, 2026

Tara Williams, 49, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on July 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 11, 1977, in Des Moines, Iowa, Tara lived a life defined by resilience, generosity, and an unwavering love for the people around her. Tara graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1994, and that same July she welcomed her beloved daughter, Areana Davis, into the world. Motherhood became the cornerstone of her life, and she devoted herself to loving and supporting Areana in all things. In 1996, Tara demonstrated the fighting spirit that would come to define her when she beat Hodgkin's lymphoma. Two years later, she moved to Virginia Beach, where she would build her life and her community. She graduated from Cooper Career Institute in 1999 with a certificate of completion in the Medical Assistant Program and began her career serving patients across various medical clinics. She went on to earn her certification in billing and coding and eventually worked as an office manager for mental health clinics. In 2015, Tara was given another chance at life through a successful heart transplant, a gift she never took for granted. Tara was adventurous, funny, and full of life. She loved traveling, attending concerts and outdoor festivals, savoring seafood, dancing, and bringing people together for celebrations. She was the glue that held everyone together, a natural planner and organizer who made every gathering feel special. Her community involvement ran deep. She promoted and helped organize barbecues, festivals, and fundraising events to provide families with school supplies and financial assistance. She promoted local events, volunteered in event planning, and dedicated herself to mental health awareness programs throughout the Hampton Roads area. A fierce patient advocate and protector, Tara touched countless lives through her compassion and service. Tara was preceded in death by her father, Alonzo Williams Sr. She is survived by her daughter, Areana Davis; her mother, Rita Teamer; her brothers, Alonzo Williams Jr., Scott Williams, Ronald Dean Kelly Sr., and Jevon Dameron Sr.; and her sisters, Lonnie Williams, Melissa Williams, Christina Kelly, Christine Williams, Alonza Kelly, and Tiffany (Oakley) McCreary; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved friends, and her dog Julius aka Juju. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8. "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!" 2 Timothy 4:18 Open House Visitation Family and friends are welcome to visit Tara's home to share memories, offer condolences, and spend time together. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – Friday, July 17, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily (If you are unable to visit during these hours, please reach out to the family to make arrangements.) Memorial Service Saturday, July 18, 2026 11:00 a.m. Metropolitan Funeral Services 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23523 Celebration of Life Reception Immediately following the memorial service, please join us for a Celebration of Life as we gather to break bread, to share stories, laugh, and cherish memories of Tara. (BYOB) 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Victory River Burger Bistro 1915 Victory Boulevard Portsmouth, Virginia 23702