Tara Gemmell's Obituary
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Tara Beth (Peplin) Gemmell, who entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 27, 2026, in Huntersville, North Carolina, at the age of 49.
Born on September 29, 1976, in North Olmsted, Ohio, Tara was the beloved daughter of Mark Edward Peplin and Barbara Lynn Kilburg (Kellar). She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Strayer University, laying the foundation for a successful professional career.
Tara worked as a Project Manager at Bank of America before choosing to devote herself fully to what she considered her greatest calling—being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She poured her heart into caring for her family and creating a loving home.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Tara’s relationship with Christ guided every aspect of her life. She faithfully served in her church’s Children’s Ministry, where she found great joy in nurturing young hearts and helping children grow in their faith. Her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication made a lasting impact on countless families. She cherished time with her children, enthusiastically supported Cleveland sports teams, and was known for her selfless love and encouragement of others.
Tara faced her battle with breast cancer with remarkable courage, grace, and an unwavering trust in God. Even through life’s greatest challenges, she remained a source of strength and hope to those around her, inspiring family and friends with her resilience, steadfast faith, and determination to make every moment count. Above all, Tara was passionate about being a mother, and her family was the greatest joy and purpose of her life.
Tara is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Don Gemmell; her beloved children, Kylie Gemmell (11) and Berkeley Gemmell (8); her sister, Joyce Staley; her brother-in-law, Schaun Staley; and her nieces, Zoe and Mya Staley.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Kensington Faith Gemmell; father, Mark Edward Peplin; her mother, Barbara Lynn Kilburg; and her grandmother, Marlene R. Wood and
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Covenant Church, 17301 Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC 28031.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Pink House of Hope in Tara’s memory.
Though her earthly journey was far too short, Tara leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, joyful service, and extraordinary courage. She loved deeply, served faithfully, and lived each day with a heart devoted to God and to others. Her kindness, compassion, and beautiful spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. While she will be profoundly missed, those who loved her find comfort in the promise that she is now healed, at peace, and forever in the presence of her Savior.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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