It is with deep sadness and profound grief that I reflect on the passing of Tammera L. Holmes—an incredible woman, a mentor, and a true trailblazer. Tammera was, and will always remain, the best aviator I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Her legacy is not just woven into the fabric of aviation but into the lives of all who had the honor of crossing her path. Her spirit, energy, and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers continue to inspire me and countless others.
I feel an overwhelming sense of loss as I remember Tammera’s remarkable influence, not just in aviation but in life. When I reflect on all that I have accomplished—everything I am proud of today—I know, without a doubt, that none of it would have been possible without her. In August, I shared with her how deeply she had impacted my life, and I told her that none of my accomplishments would have ever happened if it weren’t for her drive, resilience, passion, and character. Tammera was the embodiment of those qualities, and she imparted them not just through words, but through actions that left a lasting imprint on all who had the fortune of knowing her.
Tammera’s impact extended far beyond the skies she soared in as an aviator. She was a visionary—someone who looked at the world and saw not just what was, but what could be. Her role as a mentor and advocate for young black girls, especially those from underserved communities, cannot be overstated. I was one of those girls, raised on the South Side of Chicago, where the odds of making it in a field like aviation seemed insurmountable. Yet, Tammera, with her boldness and unshakable belief in the potential of young people, opened doors for me that I never imagined could exist.
Tammera l. Holmes- Obituary Chicago Illinois
She was one of the few people who understood what it meant to not just survive, but thrive, in spaces where individuals like us were often marginalized. Her work in aviation wasn’t just about flying planes; it was about flying toward a vision of equity and opportunity for all. As a pioneer in an industry still struggling with diversity, Tammera made it her mission to ensure that the skies were open for everyone, regardless of background, gender, or race.
I will forever remember the way Tammera made me feel when I first met her: empowered, seen, and valued. She didn’t just tell me I could do anything—I felt it in every conversation we had. Through her, I came to understand that my dreams weren’t limited by my circumstances. She was the one who gave me that first push, the one who encouraged me to reach for things I never thought possible. For that, I will always be eternally grateful.
Tammera wasn’t just a mentor; she was a force of nature. She had the rare ability to see the potential in others, even when they couldn’t see it in themselves. Her influence on my life extended far beyond aviation. She shaped the way I saw the world and my place in it. Through her mentorship, I learned the importance of resilience—of pushing forward even when the road ahead seems impossibly difficult. She taught me that success is built not only on talent and intellect but on grit, perseverance, and a willingness to show up, even when the world makes it seem like you don’t belong.
I remember countless conversations we had where she poured wisdom into me. From discussing the technicalities of flying to talking about life’s more profound questions, Tammera was always present. She wasn’t just teaching me how to navigate a plane; she was teaching me how to navigate life with grace, dignity, and purpose. When I doubted myself or felt unsure, Tammera was the one who reminded me of my worth, who reminded me that I had a unique perspective and voice to offer the world.
Through Tammera’s mentorship, I also learned how to lead. She embodied leadership in the purest sense: inspiring others not through authority, but through action, compassion, and authenticity. She was a beacon for so many young women—especially those of color—who wanted to see someone like themselves succeed in a field as challenging and historically exclusive as aviation.
In addition to the personal and professional growth Tammera fostered in me, she also played a pivotal role in my personal life. Through her, I met the love of my life—Jay Bush, my future husband. It’s a testament to the kind of person Tammera was that she not only supported my dreams but also played an integral part in bringing two people together who were meant to be. She was an embodiment of love in every sense: the love for her work, her family, her community, and most importantly, the love she had for every person she touched.
The connection Jay and I share today—our partnership, our dreams, and our shared journey—would not have been possible without Tammera. She was the bridge that connected our paths, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow at her passing, knowing that the woman who so deeply influenced my life, my career, and my heart is no longer with us physically. But I find solace in the knowledge that her legacy lives on through all of us who were lucky enough to know her.
Today, I grieve the loss of a hero—Tammera L. Holmes. She was more than just a trailblazer in aviation; she was a hero to many of us who had the privilege of learning from her. A hero in the truest sense of the word, not because of accolades or achievements, but because of the way she lived her life—with authenticity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. Tammera showed us what it meant to be fearless, to break boundaries, and to rise above limitations imposed by society.
The world has lost an extraordinary woman, but her impact will never fade. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of young people, particularly black girls from the South Side of Chicago and beyond, to dream big and never settle. Tammera proved that the sky was never the limit—it was only the beginning. She showed us that we could aim higher, push further, and achieve greatness in ways we hadn’t even imagined.
Tammera L. Holmes was not just an aviator—she was a change-maker, a mentor, a hero, and, most importantly, a beloved friend. While I miss her deeply, I know that she would want us to carry on her work, to continue breaking barriers, and to live with the same passion and resilience that she embodied every day.
Mrs. Holmes, we love you. We will miss you. And we will continue to honor your memory by pushing the boundaries you set for us, by embracing the opportunities you showed us, and by living with the same spirit that you shared with the world. Forever in our hearts, Tammera. 😢
