It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Tamara Lynn Slawter of Raleigh, NC, on Thursday, November 7th, 2024. She was 65 years old.

Born in 1959 in Burlington, NC, she was the daughter of Carolyn Greason Dunn and the late Bobby Eugene Slawter. Tami graduated from Mt. Holly’s East Gaston High School in 1977 and attended both Gaston College and Appalachian State University. After a lifetime of loving animals, Tami found the perfect place of employment when she joined North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She adopted her beloved dog, Paisley, from the College.

Tami loved the beach, traveling and giving back to the community. She was deeply devoted to her nieces and nephews, always there for them with a kind word, a helping hand, or an ear to listen. Her affection for them knew no bounds and she was the kind of aunt who would move mountains to see them happy. Tami also had an extraordinary love for animals. She had a soft spot for those dogs in need, especially the sick or abandoned, and would go to great lengths to care for them.

Tami’s love was unconditional, and she had a unique ability to make those she cared for feel protected and cherished. Her honesty was unflinching, and while she was often quick and blunt, it was always in service of defending those she cared for or speaking out for what was right. Tami’s strength, love, and unapologetic nature made her a force to be reckoned with, and she will be remembered as someone who never hesitated to stand up for what mattered most.

Gone too soon, she is survived by her partner, Kirk Byerly, of Raleigh, NC; mother, Carolyn Dunn, of Mt. Holly, NC; sister, Teresa Stewart and her husband Scott, of Zephyrhills, FL; brother, Todd Slawter and his wife Regina, of Charleston, SC; and her beloved nephew and nieces, RJ Stroup, of Tampa, FL; Cameron Slawter of Charleston, SC; Carson Slawter of Charleston, SC; Elizabeth D’Orazio of Raleigh, NC; Kate Williams of Sanford, NC; and Emily McGovern of Yorktown, VA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Raleigh Brewing, 3709 Neil St., Raleigh, NC 27607. Friends and family (and their dogs) are welcome to join and celebrate the life of Tami and remember her unwavering spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Companion Pet Assistance Fund at North Carolina State University. This fund provides financial options for clients and their pets when they need it most. To make a gift in memory of Tami Slawter please click here. You may also consider donating to the SPCA of Wake County by clicking here.

Rest in peace, Tami. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.