Tamara Dorice (Gaynor) Rivella Obituary
Tamara Rivella was born March 1, 1957, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, to Theodore and Sammie Mae (Hearing) Gaynor. She was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on May 20, 2022.
Tamara confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church, Clairton, PA. She attended Clairton High School, married, then earned an Associates degree in Accounting from Allegheny Community College. In the early '80's she moved to Texas with her family.
She had a diverse career, beginning as a professional model, owner of Fabulous Hair & Makeovers, and publisher of Clique Magazine. Her path digressed when she became interested in herbal medicine. She was formally trained in endocrine disorders, specializing in hormonal imbalances. She taught health and nutrition at Whole Foods Markets and Leisure Learning, to standing room only audiences. She founded Body Beautiful Institute and after decades of practicing herbal medicine, she began to create her own products with clients worldwide.
She remained passionate in her Christian faith. Her favorite way to start the day was sitting on her lakeside deck with her coffee and Bible. She enjoyed the outdoors with daily walks around the park. She enjoyed gardening and planting flowers, and was a wonderful cook.
She loved to help others and used her love to influence the people the Lord placed in her path, but her most rewarding and precious work was being a devoted mom. As Mrs. Katy Texas 2017, she used her platform to convince mothers that homemakers are the answers to America's problems.
She treasured the time spent with her family, and was overjoyed to welcome her first grandson, Reign, in August of 2021.
Tamara was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Michel Rivella, of Katy, Texas; her son, Brett Gaynor, daughter, Veroniqua Johnson; son, Perry Easterling and wife, Rhea; daughter, Mykala Rivella; grandson, Reign Easterling; brother, Theodore Gaynor and wife, Jacquilda; sister; Stacie Gaynor; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was full of life, love, and laughter, and will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by many.
