Obituaries

It is with a heavy heart but a joyful spirit that our family announces the passing of Eiko Kurata Tashiro, age 90, most recently of Nicholasville, KY. She was born on April 10, 1935 in Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan, the daughter of Inetaro and Kimiyo Kurata.

Eiko met the love of her earthly life, her partner in ministry and her husband in Yukio “Paul” Tashiro at a church youth meeting. They were married and emigrated from Japan to America in 1969, settling in Chamblee, Georgia, with their son, Charles. Here, Paul studied theology at Oglethorpe University.

Eiko stepped off the tarmac with her family and onto the continent not knowing a word of English. Fearless and determined, she began to learn the language whilst caring for children and being a house cleaner.

Paul’s studies took the family from Chamblee to school at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Eiko attended Asbury as well for a brief time. She quickly mastered English and instead turned her focus to teaching language and culture to Japanese exchange students, for which she trained through Cornell University.

The Tashiros were dispatched from Wilmore to Independence, Kentucky and spent many years serving and growing the congregation of Staffordsburg United Methodist Church.

They were once again called to a different region of the USA and re-located to Jackson, Mississippi to Briarwood United Methodist. There, Eiko continued her work as a teacher, instructing young people at Millsaps College and St. Andrew's Episcopal School. She also served on the board of the Japan-America Society of Mississippi. For her tremendous efforts and success, she shared an award with Paul: The Order Of The Rising Sun, Gold And Silver Rays by His Majesty The Emperor Akihito of Japan in 2003.

In the mid-2000s, Paul and Eiko made one final migration. From Mississippi, they returned to Kentucky, this time to Nicholasville. Here, Paul pastored nareby at The Lexington International Japanese Church; a Japanese language speaking church. One of the kindest and most outgoing souls anyone can claim to know, Eiko was exceedingly generous with her knowledge and her time. She remains a beatific vision held in our hearts, compelling our hands to serve others always.

A beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, Eiko is survived by her husband Paul Y. Tashiro; her son Naomu Charles Tashiro (Kelley); sister Kyoko Kurata; as well as brother Tetsuo Kurata. Special friends, such as the Kemper Family, her students and her many church families will also miss her immeasurably. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Miyako Kurata and Sachiko Kurata.

Eiko’s life and resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY, 41051. Friends and family will gather to find solace in one another’s company and honor Eiko. Please come to share stories and memories from 12:00 PM until shortly before the time of the funeral service at 3:00 PM. Following the funeral service, Eiko will be cremated in a private ceremony and will rest at home with her family.

Eiko was formally trained as a traditional Japanese floral designer and while flowers and other gifts of sympathy are appreciated, please also consider making a memorial donation in her name to continue to foster the work of an organization dear to her heart: the Japan-America Society of Mississippi.