Tara Leigh Hiott, 52, of Fernandina Beach passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Baptist Center, Nassau.

Tara was born in Atlanta and was the daughter of James and Shirley Mills Hiott. She was raised in Canton, GA.

Tara was born with Spina Bifida. Her parents were told, at birth, she would probably never develop a brain and would not live long after birth. From early on, it was obvious that Tara was bright and determined and would not let anything stop her from living a full and satisfying life. Her mother always said of her, “she is an example of the power of prayer and how those prayers can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

She graduated from Cherokee County High School where she was involved in many activities. Her love of music directed her into being a member of the High School Chorus all four of her years at Cherokee County. Her deep love of music was a hallmark of her life and that love crossed over all genres and styles. After high school, Tara attended Floyd College in Rome, GA and Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA.

Tara worked as a customer service representative at Pizza Hut in Canton, as well. It was the perfect job for her. She could work from her wheelchair and deal with customers by telephone. She learned to drive herself and she never slowed down. She was a phenomenal young lady who was always looking for a new adventure.

In 2003, she moved to Fernandina Beach with her parents. She attended FSCJ and helped her mother keep up with the “family calendar” and various other tasks about the household. She was never one to just sit at home. She loved to go on cruises with family and friends and travel to new destinations whenever she could. With her dad’s help, she had the adventure of a lifetime when she and he went into the crater of the Kilauea volcano with her in her wheelchair.

Tara leaves behind her parents, James and Shirley Hiott of Fernandina Beach; her maternal grandmother, Stella Gravitt of Woodstock, GA; an uncle, Thomas (Tammy) Hiott of Marietta, GA; an aunt, Dee Norton of Canton, GA; her God parents, Joe and Faye Colson; as well as several cousins and extended family members.

A service to remember and celebrate Taras life will be held Friday, December 19, 2025 beginning at 11:00 AM in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with Pastor Josh Wood officiating.