Funerals are a beautiful ministry. Of course, it is always a heavy thing to carry people’s loss, but it is also a blessing to be the community that carries memory together. Memorial services at Church of the Reconciler are some of my favorite moments here, because everyone stops to pay attention to how significant the person being remembered was. I see this as the moment when we get to tell others that we knew one of God’s saints. A lot of people didn’t know them. A lot of people wouldn’t have called them a saint, but they’re missing something. We knew what was special about this person to God and to us.
In our last blog entry Pastor Dylan shared some memories of Tammie and her journey of moving back into housing. Some of you asked what you could do to be a part of Tammie’s story, so we want to share with any who may read this that Tammie lived safely in her own apartment for several months before she passed away unexpectedly. We are grateful that we were her church and that when she died she was living in a safe apartment of her own. Here is some more about Tammie from her obituary and memories of her memorial service. If you are moved by her story and the stories of others who are working to move from the streets into housing, we would love to talk with you about ways to help.
Tammie Beasley (October 29, 1964 - March 9, 2026) was a bright and joyful person. She was a long time member of Church of the Reconciler in downtown Birmingham, and she is beloved in the Birmingham community of people living without homes and those who provide services for the unhoused, especially Church of the Reconciler and One Roof. Tammie is survived by her son, her only child, Nathan, and many brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tammie loved to welcome and encourage others and always had a smile and a hug to share. She enjoyed art, especially the craft of crochet. She also loved the outdoors. Tammie persevered through living without housing and had recently moved into her own place at the time of her passing. Now she is home with God. She lived a beautiful life and is remembered by many.
One of my favorite memories of Tammie was when the church was using mandated medical masks as a COVID-19 precaution, and when I showed up to the church with a box of masks Tammie informed me that she would personally sit by the door to hand everyone a mask. She did so with a smile and a vibrant welcome for everyone.
Church of the Reconciler assisted Tammie’s son Nathan with planning her memorial service, which was held at Railroad Park on April 1, 2026. Railroad Park was a place that Tammie loved, together with Nathan. The Park service allowed us to hold Tammie’s memorial free of cost. Nathan planned with me for a beautiful and meaningful service that Tammie would have approved. Each person was given a towel to wear around their neck, like Tammie. During the time when everyone was invited to share memories, they were also given a cup of ice to remember Tammie by something that she loved. Friends and family came to remember Tammie from Birmingham and from other cities and states. Her family brought a delicious meal to serve everyone in attendance. Her sister shared that every time she talked to Tammie, she would tell her that she could come live with her (in another city), but Tammie would say that she was at home in Birmingham.
After Tammie’s passing, One Roof worked with Nathan to help him have her apartment transferred to his name, so he moved off the streets and into the home that was his mother’s. While things were being arranged for the move, Church of the Reconciler was home to Tammie’s ashes. Now Tammie’s remains live at home with Nathan. He is thankful that she is with him.
If you would like to remember Tammie and other COTR saints of this year, we recognize All Saints Day in worship on Sunday November 1, 9:30 am.