Teresa Fay Poff Tamkin

The staff of Heishman Funeral Home/Valley Funeral Service sends condolences to the family of Mrs. Teresa Fay Poff Tamkin. Teresa Fay Poff Tamkin, 65, of Fort Valley, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at her home. The funeral will be held Thursday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Wakeman’s Grove Church of the Brethren in Edinburg. Pastor Duke McCaffrey will officiate. Burial will follow in Emerson Walters Cemetery in Fort Valley. Mrs. Tamkin was born November 16, 1959, in Radford, VA, daughter of Ruby Young Poff Gochenour and the late Vernon Poff Sr. She was a 1978 graduate of Central High School and worked at the Fort Valley Post Office for over 20 years. She was a member of Wakeman’s Grove Church of the Brethren, as well as a Ladies Auxiliary member, and a member of the Fort Valley Volunteer Fire Department that served numerous ham and oyster suppers and bingos. She has fought ALS since 2017. Teresa was a wonderful wife, a devoted mother, and a proud Mimi to her sweet Addy. Her warmth and love were the foundation of her family. Whether she was cooking up a homemade meal, carefully preserving the garden’s bounty from Kent’s many gardens, or simply sharing quiet moments with those she loved, Teresa poured her heart into everything she did. She was the best caretaker to Lisa, tending to her needs with patience, compassion, and unshakable dedication. Teresa’s soul was gentle and kind – a light to all who knew her – and that light will be deeply missed in the days ahead. But behind her sweet nature was a quiet strength. Teresa was a strong, determined woman who met her battle with ALS with courage and grace. Though many never saw the depth of her fight, she faced each day with a brave heart, never letting the disease define her spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and care that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Teresa’s presence in this world was a gift, and her memory will forever be cherished. Surviving, along with her mother, are her husband, Kent Tamkin; two daughters, Sara George and husband, Dustin, and Lisa Tamkin; granddaughter, Adalyn George; brothers, Vernon Poff Jr. and wife LeAnn and Robert Poff and wife Karen; Kent’s siblings, Edwin Tamkin and wife Nancy, Nancy Fitchett and husband Bill, Nova Saffell and husband Ricky and Troy Tamkin and wife JoAnn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Warren Poff, Jake Bowers, Greg Melton, Christopher Tamkin, Brandon Poff and Adam Selby. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fort Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 7088 Fort Valley Road, Fort Valley, VA 22652. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Teresa Fay Poff Tamkin

November 16, 1959 - July 6, 2025