Beloved Community Spotlight

Tammy Gremillion has spent her life caring for others. Whether as a nurse, a church leader, a friend, or a spouse, she’s drawn to helping people feel safe, supported, and loved. That spirit of compassion has shaped her life and ultimately led her to the welcoming community at St. Margaret's.

A lifelong Baton Rouge resident, Tammy grew up in Sherwood Forest and attended St. Thomas More before graduating from St. Joseph's Academy. She began college at Northwestern State but eventually earned a degree in dance education from LSU. While many parishioners may know her as an experienced registered nurse, they may be surprised to learn that she was once a dance major. Nursing eventually became her calling, and she graduated from the Baton Rouge General School of Nursing in 1995.

Tammy devoted her entire 35-year nursing career to the GI specialty, working with the same physician group from the beginning of her career until retiring in December 2025. During those years she managed the Louisiana Endoscopy Center for 11 years before later serving as education nurse manager. Caring for patients, mentoring coworkers, and building lasting relationships became hallmarks of her professional life.

Tammy’s wife, Irene Shute, has shared that same heart for service throughout more than 40 years as an emergency room nurse. Although the two had known each other for many years—and Irene even worked for Tammy for a year at the Louisiana Endoscopy Center while taking a break from emergency nursing—their friendship took on a much deeper meaning during one of the most difficult seasons of Tammy's life.

When Tammy's first wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during the COVID pandemic, Irene became an invaluable source of strength and support. With hospital restrictions often preventing family members from being present, Irene helped navigate treatments, stayed by Tammy’s wife’s side when needed, and cared not only for her but also for Tammy herself. Their friendship grew through shared grief, compassion, and unwavering support. After Tammy's wife passed away following their 30 years together, Irene continued to check on Tammy, listen, and simply be present. Over time, a friendship blossomed into love, and the two were married on March 7, 2026.

Tammy speaks with deep gratitude about the unique bond she and Irene share. She treasures the fact that Irene loved and respected Tammy’s first wife and continues to honor her memory. That mutual respect has become a foundation of their marriage and a beautiful reminder that love has room for gratitude, remembrance, and new beginnings.

Family remains at the center of Tammy's life. Her daughter, Kayla, lives in Oregon, where she manages two Nothing Bundt Cakes locations while pursuing her career as a pastry chef. Although they live across the country from one another, Tammy and Irene visit whenever possible, and Kayla returns to Louisiana at least once each year. Tammy is especially thankful for the close relationship Kayla and Irene have developed.

Tammy’s home is also shared with two beloved dogs who keep life entertaining. Ollie, a 12-year-old mixed breed, provides the wisdom, while Gator Paul, an energetic Chiweenie mix, proudly runs the household.

When retirement allows, Tammy and Irene escape to their camp on the Diversion Canal in Ascension Parish. Whether they're boating, riding jet skis, or spending quiet hours fishing together, time on the water provides the perfect balance to decades spent in demanding healthcare careers.

Tammy and her late wife first visited St. Margaret's near the end of 2017 after a friend suggested they might find the inclusive church home for which they had been searching. Having both grown up Catholic, they loved many aspects of that tradition but longed for a community where they would be fully welcomed. After their very first Sunday, Tammy knew she had found that place. The warmth of the congregation and the welcome they received from Fr. Tommy confirmed that St. Margaret's was home.

Tammy quickly became involved, first serving as an usher, then as a lector, and later as a member of the vestry.

Ask Tammy what she loves most about the parish, and she'll quickly point to its warmth, acceptance, and commitment to welcoming everyone while preserving many of the traditions she cherished growing up. It is, she says, a place where people truly belong.

When asked how she hopes people will remember her, Tammy's answer is simple and heartfelt: as someone strong in faith, caring and loving, someone who made others feel special—and someone who gave really great hugs.

If you don’t already know Tammy, introduce yourself and take a moment to perhaps make a new friend who can talk about all sorts of things including GI health, dance, living with a Chiweenie or what bait is getting the fish’s attention lately.