Tamara Brune Wharton's Obituary
Tamara Gayle Brune Green Wharton passed away September 21st, 2022. Tamara was born on August 10th 1955 to Audrey Ellen Wilson and George Charles Brune in Vancouver, Washington.
The fourth born of six children, she grew up in Portland, Oregon with her siblings Tonya, Scott, John, Duff, and Gina. As a child she was a performer and singer who made regular appearances on a local television child talent show, “Stars of Tomorrow.”
She graduated from Roosevelt High School where she had been a cheerleader, member of the swim team, choir, and a winner of the St. John’s Junior Miss pageant.
After high school she moved to Provo, Utah where she met her first husband Christian E. Green. They were married in Idaho Falls and had two sons together. Soon after the birth of their second child they moved to the Salt Lake City area where she would reside thereafter. It was in Salt Lake where she met her second husband, Blaze D. Wharton, with whom she gave birth to two more sons.
An eternal activist, Tamara made her career in government and community service, continuously supporting her community. She worked for the Community Action Center, Utahans Against Hunger, SLC Mayor's Office as a Volunteer Coordinator (DePaulis), ADA Ombudsman on the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities (Bangerter), Salt Lake County’s Community Access to Technology Program, and the YWCA Women's Shelter. She was also an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA), was active in the Liberty-Wells Neighborhood Council, and the host of a number of “Night Out Against Crime” events, fostering neighborhood relationships with the SLCPD.
Tamara pursued higher education as a non-traditional student at Weber State University where she studied criminal justice and later attended Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) for film and journalism. She was a frequent contributor to SLCC's newspaper, “The Globe,” and often interviewed celebrities at the Sundance Film Festival. Tamara loved to film and was quick to adapt to new technologies. She created her own production company “Live360” and made many short films and documentaries on a variety of topics.
Some of her greatest joys included singing karaoke, researching family genealogy, meeting new people, and gardening. In her younger years she loved to dance, travel, organize social gatherings, and ride horses.
Tamara cared deeply for those in need. She participated in food and clothing drives for families, immigrants, and homeless individuals. She had a particular passion for indigenous, minority, and women’s rights. Her gift was being able to talk to anyone and truly hear their story. She was a determined advocate who never took no for an answer. As a single mother, she fought for her children and passed on to them her strength and compassion.
Tamara’s legacy lives on through her sons, Joseph C. Green, Benjamin EJ Green, Maj. Matthew B. Wharton (who preceded her in death), and Nathaniel D. Wharton.
She is survived by her grandsons Joseph Lopez-Green, Marcus Lopez-Green, Andre Lopez-Green, and Avery Lopez-Green.
A viewing/celebration of life will be held on Friday, Oct 7th at Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home 372 E 100 S SLC, UT 84111 (11:00-1:00PM viewing, 3:00-7:00PM reception).
Graveside service at the Salt Lake City Cemetery 200 N St E SLC, UT 84111 (1:30).
An LDS Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Oct 8th at Whittier Ward 1515 S 200 E SLC, UT 84115 (11:00-12:00).
In lieu of flowers please help someone in need per Tamara’s wishes.
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