The fall of 2009 was a huge time for me – I ventured cross country to Grand Rapids for the sole purpose of attending law school. Finding GR Central SDA church was double huge – the Pastor and his family welcomed me into their home, and then this church enabled me to meet Tammy. Instant “kindred spirit” type of experience. I could NOT have graduated without Tammy’s unceasing encouragement and the many prayers of the GRSDA warriors! I was joyous to finish law school and move back to my domiciled state, but my heart certainly remained in “Pure Michigan”. I soon realized that I had a permanent home in Tammy’s heart and she in mine. We had some deep “life hurdles” in common, which bonded us even further. She was my A-list confidant, my true spiritual sister. She prayed me through two bar exams, through difficult legal junk thereafter, and through all of those life hurdles. There will never ever be another human in my realm of existence like her. Never. I was so blessed to travel back to GR last year and spend time with Tammy. I wouldn’t trade that week of my life for a winning Powerball ticket! I am deeply regretful that I could not make the trip again for her memorial service. I can only imagine how many people will be there, sharing how much she impacted their lives. I yearn to hug her children, and Pastor Bob and Sandy, and everyone else. Since Tammy’s passing, each and every day I hear her unique voice and giggle in my head. “Just believe, Beev! Gotta trust! Put it all in His hands!” and so many more cheers to keep on keepin’ on. Sometimes the shoe was on the other foot and I would happily remind her of all the things she drilled me. We balanced each other so perfectly. If it weren’t for God blessing me with the tape of Tammy’s voice in my mind and the ability to hit “replay” whenever I choose, I would surely die of sorrow. She and I would dream of heaven…sunbathing on the bank of the River of Life while drinking virgin Pina Coladas (Revelation 22:1), and surely be neighbors in our mansions which Christ is preparing for us (John 14:2). It’s a date, girlfriend! Love to all who loved Tammy, Shari Beaver

Mrs. Johnson was such a sweet and caring person. I have so many good memories growing up around the Johnson's. Erica and I were like two peas in a pod, and Mrs. Johnson was like my 2nd mom! She would always call me "Meg" and made me feel like a part of the family. I loved her for that! She would frequently carpool us to and from school or activities like roller skating or swimming. I remember she would sometimes buy us Gushers, Pringles, or Fruit Roll Ups for a snack after school, which I thought was the best! She was always ready to listen when we had a hard day or was able to say just the right thing when we needed a little bit of encouragement. I remember her as being a God-fearing woman who always tried to see the best in life and in others. In this time of heartache, I find comfort in the verses from I Thessalonians 4: 13-14, 18, which says, "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus... Therefore comfort one another with these words." Mrs. Johnson will be greatly missed but I look forward to seeing her again when Jesus comes! <3

Tammy was the best friend I have ever had. We met when both of us were in difficult circumstances, she was going through a divorce and I was unemployed. She was so kind. She always made time to talk to you and pray with you. She showed others the love of Jesus: no matter how well or poorly they treated her, no matter how unkind they were to her, she insisted on loving them, she prayed for them, she forgave them, and she treated them with such kindness. No matter the difficulties she suffered, her answer was, "God is in control." She did the very best she could, no matter the circumstances. When her marital status changed unexpectedly in 2010, she grieved for a time, but rather than succumbing to her heart-rending pain and grief, she began planning and working toward qualifying to work as a physician's assistant. She went back to school, finished her undergraduate degree, and was in the process of applying to PA programs when she was felled by illness. She was the most encouraging friend I have ever had. Even now, when I feel like imploding from anxiety, I remember her telling me over and over again, "God's got it, girl!" I didn't quite understand it then, but I think I do now: He knows the beginning from the end and is constantly working things out for our very best good (Romans 8:28). The day after Tammy's passing, I happened upon the following verse in Revelation 14, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." And, if faithful, all of us who knew Tammy and experienced her lovingkindness, will see her raised in the hale of health when "...the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess 4:16, 17).

Tammy was always easy to talk with. It is sad that it took this long to reconnect with her. She will be missed. We will see you in Heaven.

Tammy was such a thoughtful, kind person.Back in the early 2000s, my husband and I had three daughters. When our oldest daughter was two years old, we had twin daughters. Tammy offered to come and stay for the weekend. While she was there she worked around the house for me and even let me have a whole night's rest… Which I hadn't had in months. She stayed up with both of my infant daughters through the night… It was the greatest gift ever.

Tammy was the best big sister a sister could ever ask for, she was constantly taking care of me and my twin sister from the time we were little to the day she died, she always made life happy for us, always thinking of us before herself. She always knew the right words to say to encourage us and put peace in our hearts, she had her own peace far above where most people live, she always made you feel loved and cared for. Her happy, fun loving spirit was always so contagious and inviting. She was so loyal, you always knew where you stood with her, always engulfing you in her big heart of love and forgiveness. She made life worth living on many days, encouraging and pointing me to Jesus. She was everyone's best friend, because she opened her heart to everyone she met. Her loving words and loving Spirit will live on forever because she promised us we will see her again, and we will