Tamera C Imler

Tamera Cordingly Imler (Taime’) awoke in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday morning, November 3, 2024. She and Steve, her beloved husband of 18 years, were in Kennesaw, Georgia, visiting Steve's daughter when Taime’ went to sleep like any other evening and didn't wake up the next morning. The first thing Steve shared after she passed was that he felt Jesus say to him, "She's full of joy and healthy now." We give God the glory that although her earthly frame was broken and riddled with illness, now she is dancing, laughing, singing, smiling, and creating artworks of praise before her Savior and Lord in heaven without a hint of pain or sickness. 

Taime’ was a godly woman, mother, wife, daughter, and friend. As an adult, she felt the Lord give her the name Taime’, which comes from the French phrase je taime’ meaning “I love you.” She was unbelievably artistic, bringing life and beauty to everything she touched, even turning a simple greeting card into a work of art and sunshine. Although she struggled with different illnesses, she used her energy to bless others. She lavishly showered everyone in her life with thoughtfulness, kindness, wisdom, and love. Friends will fondly remember the twinkle in her eye and the witty quip she always had ready to liven a conversation. 

Taime’ was born on June 14, 1961 in Mountain Home, Idaho to Harry and Sue Evans. She was joined by her brother Mark 5 years later, of whom she was beyond proud even though he drove her crazy sometimes. She spent the first part of her childhood traveling the world with her family as her dad served in the United States Airforce and especially remembered her time in Italy and Spain with joy. Perhaps it was there in the shadows of strikingly beautiful architecture and warm Mediterranean culture that her eye for beauty and artistic talent began to develop. 

When they were stationed in Spain, she remembered attending a “tent” revival hosted by foreign missionaries where she came to know the Lord at a very young age. Comically, the tent never showed up, so the revival took place on a softball field. This moment of utmost importance in her life reminds us that when details don’t come together, God is still sovereign. He uses our failed attempts and broken plans to weave a beautiful picture of redemption and grace. Her faith and hope in Jesus remained her guiding light and the defining song of her heart throughout her life. You couldn’t hardly have a conversation with Taime’ where she wasn’t talking about her Lord and Savior, speaking a blessing of encouragement or wisdom over someone, or lifting up the prayer requests of her friends and dear family before her Father God. 

She studied art at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and deeply enjoyed her occupations as an art therapist and an activities director at an assisted living home. When her illnesses became debilitating, she took on creative pursuits like finding distressed antique treasures on Facebook Marketplace, transforming them into uniquely lovely pieces to sell while unknowingly expanding her artistic legacy across the Southeast into homes we will never know or enter. She cared for Winslow Wookie, their 2-year-old golden doodle and kept the most inviting, good-smelling, charming, perfectly-decorated-for-each-season home you’ve ever seen. Steve & Taime’ dearly loved their growth group and church, River Oaks and River Oaks Clover Hill. It has been one of the greatest blessings in their life. Finally, a passion of Taime’s over the last couple years was sending a handcrafted birthday card to every member of the church, and putting together thoughtful, blessing-filled, prayer-covered baskets for new moms. The hours she spent creating beautiful things with the purpose of blessing others simply cannot be counted, and this legacy will live on in our hearts, homes, and in our picture frames and on our shelves. 

Her husband, children, grandchildren, parents, brother, family, and friends rise up and call her blessed. We remember her and celebrate her life with joy, peace, and hope because we know she is exactly where she has longed to be for years and years - at the feet of her Redeemer and King. 

Taime’ was predeceased by her grandparents: Dillard & Pearl Shadrick and Joseph & Myrtle Evans, her in-laws Paul & Marilyn Imler, and her grandchild Isaac Nielsen. 

She is survived by her children: Ben Hood (Rebekah) and Cassi Hood; step-children: Brandon Imler (Amanda), Hannah Jones (Clay), and Laura Nielsen (Markus); she had a heart of great love for her grandchildren: Josiah, Darby, Katie, Layce, Lance, Keely, Madeline, Harris, Paul, JonOliver, Levi, Ezra, David, Josephine; and two great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her parents: Harry & Sue Evans, and her brother Mark Evans (Jackie) and his children Ella & Eli, her loving husband Steven Imler and their pup Winslow Wookie.

We will remember and celebrate her life at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Trinity Chapel (1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803) on Sunday, November 10. The Receiving of Friends will begin at 2pm and the service will begin at 3pm with Pastor Mitchell Slater officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 11, 2024 at Grandview Cemetery Pavilion.

Condolences may be sent to Steve Imler at 614 Watkins Rd., Maryville TN 37803. If you wish to support Steve with a financial gift so that he may take some time off work to grieve, you may give via the GoFundMe campaign created by Steve’s daughters at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-steve-imler-in-his-time-of-grief?qid=2af41aa2d56ef9d5ab479969bd1e277a Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.