A Lifetime of Service.
A Judge You Can Trust.
Tamara Cunningham Curry has spent more than two decades standing beside Charleston County families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives — the loss of a loved one, a guardianship decision, a fight to protect property that has been in the family for generations.
She didn't just observe these moments from a distance. As Associate Probate Judge for Charleston County from 1998 to 2022, she presided over thousands of cases, guided families through complex legal processes, and consistently brought fairness, compassion, and sound judgment to the bench.
Now, she's running to lead the court she has served — as Charleston County Probate Judge.
Her Story.
Tamara Curry was born and raised right here in Charleston, South Carolina.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from South Carolina State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law. She was admitted to practice law in South Carolina in 1992 and has dedicated her legal career to public service.
Her path in the Probate Court began in 1998, and in the years that followed, she helped shape how Charleston County's court served its people. She didn't just process cases — she built systems, improved access, and pioneered solutions.
In 2003, she helped establish one of the first Mental Health Courts in the State of South Carolina — a landmark achievement that reflected her belief that compassionate, innovative justice produces better outcomes for individuals and families.
She went on to serve as a presiding judge in Charleston County's Adult Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court (2010), and Veterans Court (2017) — each reflecting her commitment to meeting people where they are and responding to the real challenges facing our community.
In 2017, Tamara Curry made history when she was inducted as President of the National College of Probate Judges — the first African American to hold that office in the organization's nearly 50-year history. That organization exists for one purpose: to improve probate law and the courts that serve families across this country. Tamara didn't just participate — she led.
What drives her.
Tamara Curry believes the Probate Court is, at its core, a people's court. It exists to serve families — not to confuse them, intimidate them, or leave them behind.
Her approach to public service has always been grounded in three commitments:
— ACCESSIBILITY —
Every Charleston County resident — regardless of background, income, or education — deserves to understand their rights and navigate the court with dignity. Tamara is committed to expanding public education and improving access for all.
— ACCOUNTABILITY —
Public trust in the court system is
not automatic. It's earned through transparency, responsible stewardship of resources, and consistent ethical leadership. Tamara has built her career around these values.
— EXPERIENCE THAT MATTERS —
Tamara Curry brings 24 years of institutional knowledge specific to Charleston County's Probate Court. Charleston County families deserve a judge who is present, engaged, and personally accountable to the people who elected her.
In her own words.
"Public confidence in the court system is essential, and I believe experience and accountability are critical to maintaining that trust."
"Families rely on Probate Court during some of the most sensitive and important moments of their lives. Our community deserves leadership focused on accessibility, honesty, accountability, and professionalism."
"My focus has always been responsible leadership and ensuring the Probate Court serves families efficiently, ethically, and transparently."
Community Roots.
Beyond the courtroom, Tamara Curry has served her community through leadership in organizations including the Charleston Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; the YWCA of Greater Charleston; the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation; and the Board of Trustees of Allen University, among many others.
She is married to Reverend Eduardo K. Curry, Esquire, and they have three children — Eduardo II, Morgan, and Xavier — and five grandchildren.