Funeral services for Tamara Gayle Pilgreen, age 66 of Dubach, LA will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Bro. Ricky Bonnett and Cheryl Horton officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery in Bernice, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Tamara was born on July 8, 1959 in Liberal, KS to JoEllen and Robert Stevens and she passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026 in Ruston, LA. She spent 45 years as a dedicated barber, building not only a career but lasting relationships with those who sat in her chair. She was known for her strong work ethic, kind spirit, and the genuine care she showed to everyone she met.
Outside of her work, Tamara found joy in painting, quilting, sewing, and crafting- especially when she could share those moments with her grandchildren. She had a sharp mind and a natural curiosity, often researching anything and everything that caught her interest. She loved finding a good bargain and was affectionately known as a bit of a “detective” when it came to uncovering information.
Above all, Tamara’s greatest love was her faith. She loved Jesus deeply and stood firm in her beliefs, even in the face of life’s challenges. Her grandson, Landon, would often joke that she was “addicted to Jesus,” to which she would lovingly reply that if she were addicted to anything, she would want it to be Jesus.
Tamara was preceded in death by her sister, Brenda Hammett, and her uncles, Clyde Adams and Claude Adams. She is survived by her loving husband, Johnny Pilgreen; sons, Marshal Pilgreen and Adam Pilgreen and wife Magon; grandsons, Reid Pilgreen and Landon Pilgreen; parents, Robert and JoEllen Stevens; sister, Cara Taylor and husband Mike; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.
Tamara courageously battled Lewy body dementia for two years before suffering a seizure that led to hospice care. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her faith and an example of strength to those around her.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Pilgreen, Mark Adam Pilgreen, Marshal Pilgreen, Mike Taylor, Gary Hammett, and Chuck Norris. Honorary pallbearers are Landon Pilgreen and Reid Pilgreen.
Her life reflected the words of Proverbs 31: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue… Her children rise up and call her blessed… a woman who fears the lord is to be praised.”
Tamara will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her faith, her love for family, and the warmth she brought into the lives of others.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel.
