Tamiko “Tami” Baka

January 18, 1947 - April 14, 2022
Tamiko “Tami” Baka

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Tamiko “Tami” Uemura Baka, 75, of Wilmington, NC died from complications after a long battle with cancer on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC.

Tami was born in Okuma, Kunigami, Okinawa on January 18, 1947, to the late Joji Uemura and Katsuko Kobashigawa Uemura. Also preceding her in death were her brother Sho Uemura and a sister Rumiko Uemura.

Tami met George within 24 hours of his arrival in February 1970 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. They were able to marry on March 18, 1972, leading to the next 50 years together in Okinawa, Virginia, California, and eventually Wilmington, NC.

Tami was a member of both the Jacksonville Okinawa Kenjin Kai and the Fayetteville Okinawa Kenjin Kai. Her passion for Okinawa Dance was evident as the Master Instructor-Dance for the Miyagi Ryu Nosho Kai Okinawa Dance and Music School.

Surviving are her husband George Baka; sister Kumiko U. Toma and husband Tsuguhiro; nephews Tsuguyuki Toma and Ryo Toma; and a niece Saori Oda.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Father John McGee will officiate the service.

The family suggest memorials contributions be directed to a charity of your choice in memory of Tami.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • April 16, 2022
    Gloria Gant says:
    George, so sorry to hear of Tami's passing. May God give you strength in the days ahead. Sending prayers and love. Your cousin Gloria

  • April 16, 2022
    Linda & Stephen Wagoner says:
    As residents of the Forks, we have had the pleasure of knowing the Bakas. Being a member of the same ladies book club, I had the personal good fortune to spend more time with Tami. This lovely lady - kind, gentle and talented will truly be missed. Our hearts go out to George and family and as time passes, we hope that in rememberence of Tami, there will be more smiles than tears.

  • April 19, 2022
    Wanda Anderson says:
    George, I am saddened to hear about Tami’s death. You both were kind and caring neighbors to me and John for many years. May the cherished memories of your 50 years together sustain you in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you.