Kimberly Leigh Amos-Tata

Kimberly Leigh Amos-Tata, beloved wife, dog mom, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on July 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends at the age of 56. Born on July 27, 1968, in Portsmouth, Virginia, the daughter of M. Lindsey and Judy L. Amos and little sister of Teri. She was predeceased in death by her parents, M. Lindsey and Judy L. Amos, her beloved dog, Wolfie, and grandparents, James O. and M. Louise Harless and Charles E. and Lottie S. Amos. Kimberly was a woman who loved deeply, had unwavering faith, and sought to encourage and lift up all persons she encountered. She was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024 and received treatment at Mayo Clinic and Brooks Rehab in Jacksonville. She lit up the halls of Mayo and Brooks by giving out brightly colored fabric flowers to everyone she met. That was a snapshot of the sort of person she was—generously kind with a bit of whimsy. Kimberly graduated from Merritt Island High School in 1986 and served her senior year as the first female Drum Major. She went on to Florida State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance in 1990 and a Master’s Degree in Multiple Woodwinds in 1992. She was a lover of music having been a clarinet musician with the Albany Symphony Orchestra in Albany, Georgia and played saxophone with Florida State University’s Salsa Florida. She met her husband, Dr. Fabian Tata, as a result of their work with the Multicultural Student Support Center (now the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement – CARE) and from their initial meeting were inseparable. Together, they dedicated over three decades to helping students thrive, flourish and become their best selves. Kimberly served in many roles at FSU, most recently as the Assistant Director of Academic and Student Services at the College of Information. She also served on several committees and received multiple awards for her outstanding work and service to the university. In her free time, Kimberly would often be found in the kitchen preparing meals for students of the CARE program and for those in need in the community. Remaining to cherish Kimberly’s memory are her spouse of 31 years, Dr. Fabian Tata of Tallahassee, FL; dogs, Little Wolfie and Kallie Lavender; sister and brother-in-law, The Rev. Teri Calinao and George Calinao of Jacksonville, FL; niece and nephew-in-law, The Rev. Savannah Ponder and J. Matthew Ponder of Providence, RI; sisters-in-law, Clara Fongho Tih, Maggie Tata, and Margaret Tata of Cameroon, Africa; brother-in-law, Russell Groenendyk and Debi Groenendyk of Jacksonville, FL; niece, Irene Fongho and family of Atlanta, GA; and many aunts/uncles, cousins, nieces/nephews, and dear friends to include, Dr. Deborah Bish, Melanie Welch, Jade Stagg, The Rev. MaryAnn Piccioni of Tallahassee, FL. A Celebration of Kimberly’s Life and reception will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Meridian Rd., Tallahassee with The Rev. MaryAnn Piccioni officiating. The Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, Florida with The Rev. Teri Calinao officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 400 St. John’s Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of her friends, caregivers, and family who helped Kimberly throughout her illness. Our family will be forever grateful to each and every one of you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Paul’s UMC, Tallahassee, Leon County Humane Society and the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement – CARE at Florida State University. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Amos-Tata family with their arrangements.

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Kimberly Leigh Amos-Tata

July 27, 1968 - July 20, 2025