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Celebrating the life of
Rachel Michelle Tankersley
Passed away on December 11, 2024
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Rachel Michelle Tankersley, on December 11, 2024. She brought light and joy into the lives of everyone who knew her. Rachel was a bright star who lived her life with kindness, laughter, and an endless capacity to love.
She was born on April 6, 1996, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She lived part of her childhood in Concord, North Carolina where she won many ribbons competing in Saddlebred horse shows and where she earned her second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of nine. In 2008, she moved to Savannah, Georgia with her parents and brother. She was a 2014 graduate of Savannah Christian Preparatory School, where she received the Art & Design II award for her artistic talents. Following high schooll, she attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fibers in 2018.
Rachel loved nature with a special affinity for plants and the beach. She lived her life artfully expressing her vibrant free spirit through everything she did. She expressed herself through her love of music and art as a talented artist and singer. She had a deep compassion for animals which showed in the love and comfort she found in her dog, Hendrix. She had the ability to connect on a human level with people from all walks of life and always felt a need to be a friend and help others in need.
She was the adored daughter of Katrina Embrey and Stephen Tankersley, a loving sister to Steele Tankersley and sister-in-law to his wife Emalee, the granddaughter, niece, and cousin to many loving family members, and a friend to so many.
Rachel’s vibrant energy and personality and witty sense of humor could light up a room. She leaves behind an indelible mark on the hearts of those who ever had the honor of meeting her or loving her and a legacy of love and warmth that will never fade.
A private service and burial will be held followed by a memorial celebration in Rachel’s memory at a later date.
Our hearts are broken by her loss, but she will never be forgotten. We will carry her love and light with us always, finding her spirit surrounding us always in the beauty of nature and the many beautiful works of art she leaves behind.
Rest peacefully, Rachel (our beautiful Sweet Pea). You always were and will continue to be deeply loved.
Trina Steele
- Manny, Savannah , Ga
Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing sorrow for a loss so great. Sending all my love. Forever in our hearts.
- Celena Hamon, Savannah, GA
There are no words that can express how sorry I am for your loss. Having known this bright and loving young woman for the past 14 years, her passing has left everything dimmer. Prayers for all of you.
- Tonya Sellars, Savannah , Georgia
I am so so sorry. Heart broken for you.
- Ann Hallock, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your great loss. Prayers for the family and friends.
- Helen Taggart, Savannah, Ga
Trina, there are no words that accurately expresses my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this most difficult time.
- JillBeckworth, SAVANNAH, GA
My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your daughter. Deepest sympathy.
- Pam Mahan, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
Our hearts are broken. There simply are no words that can convey our sorrow. No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child. Her memory will forever be cherished. Withe love and support. Linda and Gary
- Linda and Gary Smith, Scottsdale, AZ
A candle has been lit!
You are right. She was a light and so filled with energy. She will never be forgotten. Steve and Trina, you are loved.
- Pat, Statesboro, Ga
Sandy and I are so saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. Thinking of you all and sending our love and prayers. Catherine Gilbert.
- Catherine Gilbert, Savannah, GA
My condolences to the Tankersley Family. There is so much pain in losing a loved one. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and friends.
- Fucci-Deam Family, Savannah, Georgia
Hughie and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family over the loss of your beloved daughter. Prayers for you and your family and her friends.
- Jan , Brooklet, Ga
I am truly sorry for your loss of your beautiful daughter. Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow. Sending you my deepest sympathies.
- Janet Owens, Savannah, Georgia
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jeff and Michelle Hendley, Savannah, GA
Sending my deepest sympathies to family and friends. You are all in my prayers.
- Cheryl DeWitt, Savannah, Ga
So very sorry to hear this. Such a beautiful, young soul. I will be saying and sending prayers for the Tankersley family.
- Sharif Lockett, Savannah, GA
My heart goes out to you and your family. My deepest sympathies.
- Debbie Mulford, Savannah, GA
Steve, Trina, and Steele , Loosing a daughter is a pain no parent should ever have to bear. Loosing your sister whom you have such a bond with is a unimaginable sorrow. There are no words that i could share that will ease the loss and pain that I'm certain you are feeling having witnessed the Love that you shared as a family. My heart breaks for you and I mourn your loss. Please know that you have been, and you will be in our constant prayers and thoughts. We share in the sadness of loosing someone so special and so loved. We send our Love and our prayers to you for comfort and trust you know if there is anything we could do for you all you need do is ask it.....
- Boyd Arrowood, Old Fort, NC
I am so very sorry for your loss and send my utmost condolences for your family. Sending you my love Trina.
- Christine Costanza Mahon, Elkhorn, NE
I am heartbroken for you, Trina. What an utter devastation. I know you were (and are) so proud of your children. Your work family loves you. Praying for you during this immense loss.
- Danielle Peacock, Richmond Hill, GA
I wish you the strength to endure the unimaginable loss of your beautiful and enormously loved daughter. I am heartbroken for you and your family and know your many wonderful memories of Rachel are forever cherished. Kat
- Kat Tremblay, Savannah, Georgia
Dr. TANKERSLEY, I'm so sorry u and ur family have lost such a beautiful daughter. I pray sweet memories will help to ease the pain of ur liss. My prayers are with u all.
- Karen beall, Statesboro, Ga
Praying for you constantly. My deepest condolences.
- Kari Mau , Bluffton , SC
I can’t believe you’re gone.you have the most amazing &body soul I have ever met & captivating smile . Praying for your family and that you get to rest easy
- Akua Agyemang, Savannah, GA
I am so very sorry for your unimaginable loss. You are in my prayers.
- Gwen Futral Gallagher-Howard, Jacksonville , FL
Trina I’m at a loss for words. My deepest sympathies.
- Michael , Savannah , GA
Trina I’m at a loss for words. My deepest sympathies.
- Michael Vaughn , Savannah , GA
My heart is broken for your family. Rachel was such a light and always had a smile on her face. She was one of my first friends at Savannah Christian when I knew no one, and one of my first supporters when i started doing hair here in Savannah. I will cherish our memories together. Praying for you all and sending you all of the love.
- Katie Ford, Savannah, Georgia
Trina and family, I am so very saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved daughter. My most sincere condolences to each of you. I am lifting your family in prayer. May God comfort you all as you mourn.
- Jan McGinty Boyett, Savannah, GA
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Rachel and I were good friends in middle school. She was always able to bring a smile to the faces around her. I am deeply saddened by this news and will be thinking about her family ♥️
- Jessie Staley , Savannah, Georgia
I was looking on fox and weeks and saw you beautiful daughter . My god bless her and you all for your lost . I feel you all's lost as I lost my wife Dec 22 2013 she was 50 . I'll pray for Rachel . Mike .
- mike thomas, Savannah, GA
My Sincerest Condolences for your loss. You all are in our hearts and prayers now and always. May Almighty God comfort you now and in the days ahead.
- Donald Martin Jr, Board of Trustees, Savannah Christian Prep School, Savannah, GA
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Rachel. She was not only one of the most talented and hardworking art students I have ever had the privilege of teaching but also a truly remarkable person. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her curiosity and creativity, set her apart. Beyond the classroom, Rachel and I shared a friendship built on mutual respect, laughter, and an appreciation for art and life. Her kindness, sincerity, and warmth touched everyone she encountered. Much love to you all.
- Dana Richardson, Savannah, GA
Stephen, Trina and Family Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you at the loss of your precious, Rachel. May she forever rest in sweet peace.
- Biastre Family , Jacksonville , FL
Stephen, Trina and Family Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you at the loss of your precious, Rachel. May she forever rest in sweet peace.
- Biastre Family , Jacksonville , FL
There are truly no words for this. Steve, Trina, and Steele my heart is with you. Rachel will live on in the memory of everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.
- Tia Strickland, Indianpolis, IN
Dr. Steve and family, I'm so sorry and crushed for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Sending my prayers, love, and deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- Jimmie Lou Cook, Pembroke, GA
Sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
- MyEyeDr. , Statesboro, GA
Trina, our prayers go out to you and your family over the loss of your precious daughter.
- Linda & Tony Thompson, Statesboro, GA
A candle has been lit!
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for you and your family.
- Melissa Garno, Statesboro, GA
My sincere condolences to the family, as time goes by I pray God heal all the broken hearts and fill them with his love and strength
- Kathy Jenkins &family, Statesboro, GA
Trina I am so sorry! I am praying for you and your family. May God wrap you in His arms and may you feel the peace only He can give.
- Debbi Zeigler Tovar (Logan and Madison Tovar), Savannah , Ga
My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending prayers of comfort.
- Kathy Holmes, Statesboro, GA
A candle has been lit!
Trina, I am so heart broken for you and the loss of your beautiful daughter! Thinking of you and sending much love and hugs! You and your family are in my continued prayers!
- Debra Lively Mitchell , Rincon , Georgia
I am heartbroken that you and your family have to feel this loss and pain. You are in all of our hearts and prayers.
- Pam Swicord, Statesboro, Ga
Dr Tankersley and Family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your amazing and beautiful daughter. You all have been in my daily thoughts and prayers and will continue. Her Light will always and forever be surrounding each of you. With my deepest Sympathy Beth T.
- Beth Tarpley, STATESBORO, GA
I am so very sorry for the loss of Rachel. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Erica McDaniel, Statesboro, GA
My heart breaks for you, Trina, and for your family. May the Lord love you and comfort you.
- Tonya Tyson, Richmond Hill, GA
A candle has been lit!
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Keeping you all in my prayers.
- Kelley Stewart, Pooler, Ga
Our hearts ache for you. With deepest sympathies and love we pray for you and your family.
- Laurie and Joseph Ritchie , Seabrook Island , South Carolina
Steve and all! We were devastated by this news! Please know that our hearts go out to you in this sad time. But also know that we loved her and you all! May the Lord surround you with his love as we do!
- Larry Camp, Concord, NC
Steve and all! We were devastated by this news! Please know that our hearts go out to you in this sad time. But also know that we loved her and you all! May the Lord surround you with his love as we do!
- Larry Camp, Concord, NC
The Kelly family extends our sincerest condolences for the loss of your beautiful daughter , Rachel . We all have such fond memories of her growing up in Concord with our children . There are no words to adequately express our sorrow for you all . May our Lord bring you peace and comfort . Sending you all our love and prayers.
- Kristina Kelly , Concord , N.C.
There are moments in life when words are not enough. Please know you are all in our prayers and thoughts.
- Ashlyn Keller- Silver , Hendersonville , NC
Trina, I can't offer anything else than my deepest sympathy and prayers in this difficult time.
- Estelle Bester, Pooler, Georgia
Sandra and I send our deepest condolences in the tragic loss of Rachel. Sandra remembers watching her while you and Trina toured Concord when she was a baby. You are in our prayers. Love, Frank and Sandra
- Frank Sellers, Concord , NC
We are shocked and deeply saddened by your unimaginable loss. There are no words that can ease your pain, but please know that we send our love, and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
- Susan and Joe Simpson, Concord, NC
There are no words that I could express to explain my heartbreak and the loss of such a beautiful soul. Rachel and I were in the fibers department together and often would do projects and hangout. She was the warmest and kindest soul. We spent so many countless nights creating art together and going out to eat. I will miss you so dearly. You were such an inspiration to me, you were a talented artist and such an amazing friend. I love you Rachel, I can’t wait to meet you again. Prayers for everyone and you will always hold a special place in my heart.
- Melissa ceciliano , Canandaigua , NY
Oh my, Trina I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. What a beautiful life!
- Gina Crabb, Townsend, GA
This just doesn’t feel real. She was always such a light in a dark room. I pray she made it somewhere safe.
- Michael Hatch, Savannah, Georgia
The Allred Family sends love and our deepest sympathy on the death of BEAUTIFUL Rachel. Prayers will be with you all as you go through this valley of life
- ALLRED FAMILY, Greensboro, NC
Our hearts are broken for your family. We are praying for your peace in the days ahead as you mourn the loss of a beloved family member. Rachel was bright, fun and she held such a special place in this world. May she rest in peace for her soul is now saved. We love you Rachel.
- Lauren Hewett, Jacksonville , Florida
Trina - I am heartbroken for the loss of your beautiful daughter, Rachel. May God comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
- Marian Tabi, Statesboro, GA
Dr Tankersley & Family. I am so sorry about Your beautiful Daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Teresa Cooper, Statesboro , Ga.
Dear Trina and Steve, We are heartbroken for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love, Jim and Rosemary
- James and Rosemary Loftus, Concord, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Private Service Will Be Held