Tammatha “Tammie” Diane Patterson, 57, of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Baptist Health Deaconess, surrounded by her family.
Tammie was born on September 12, 1968, in Madisonville, Kentucky, to Sherry Bruce and the late Larry Patterson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Bandy.
She is survived by her daughters, Jensen (Jay Nicholson) Potenza and Jordan Potenza; her son, Jacob Potenza; her parents, Sherry and Mark Bruce; her half-sister, Shayla Patterson; her half-brother, Brandon Patterson; her aunts, Nelda Hopper, Dana Todd, and Teenie Brown; her sister-cousin, Tracy Pointer; her beloved pup, Cooper; and her cherished grand pups, Medli, Gotham, and Teddy.
If you knew Tammie, you probably knew about her plants. She absolutely loved working in the Lawn & Garden Center at Lowe’s and was always on the hunt for another plant to bring home. She had her own little personal greenhouse at home. Her monsteras were her absolute favorite. She talked about them often and always wanted to make sure they were cared for.
Tammie also had a sweet tooth and a love of food that was undeniable. The fastest way to her heart was certainly through her stomach. No matter what she was going through, a coffee or surprise dessert would put a smile on her face.
Tammie absolutely lit up when people brought any sort of food or gift. Her love language was no doubt receiving gifts. She loved her little stuffed animals, treats, blankets, and Yungblud T-shirt. She always had fun plans for Hobby Lobby and Ulta trips. She talked excitedly about her plan to go to Mystic Falls or England to see the Royals. These things always energized her and brought her so much joy.
Tammie loved and missed her husband, Tom, so much. Tom was her soulmate. She often talked about how thankful she was that the last words they shared were “I love you.” Tammie, Tom, and Cooper were a sweet little unit. They had their routine and their favorite foods and shows. Even after Tom passed, she still always took comfort in watching “the boys” on Deadliest Catch with Cooper.
Tammie was special and so loved. She will be missed so deeply by so many. Through an incredibly difficult diagnosis, she showed up for her family and her family showed up for her. Tammie was strong and resilient in the face of true hardship. Through all of that, she showed up fully with kindness and care every day. To say she is incredible is an understatement.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home, Madisonville Chapel. Burial will follow at Hanson Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Potenza, Jay Nicholson, Brandon Patterson, Collin King, George Pointer, and Bobby Todd.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barnettstrother.com.
Comments