Tammi McGill Cancer Fund and Funeral Service

Dearest Friends,

            I’m sure you have heard about the storm which my family and I have been weathering in some form or other, but never did I anticipate I would find myself confessing this upshot. As you know, my mother was recently diagnosed with cancer. She was responding well to treatments until she passed away suddenly on the morning of January 17th at 7:33AM. It was a big shock to us all, to say the least. She went into respiratory failure unexpectedly late Saturday night and ultimately went with God early Sunday morning. We never expected it to happen so abruptly, and while I am crushed, I have come to believe that sometimes things just happen for a reason, and no one can explain it. She was doing just fine the night prior; it all seemed so surreal. How her chemotherapy treatments were seemingly effective just hours before she died, I will never understand. The way her health plummeted so unexpectedly will forever haunt me. It all happened so fast that even her doctor was caught off guard. I had just spoken with my mom a few days prior, and though I had been sick, thankfully my friend who is a nursing student was working on the same floor as my mother and was able to speak to her for me while I was so inconveniently plagued with cold and flu symptoms. I know she is no longer suffering, and that she is in a much better place but I am still very heartbroken, along with her siblings, sons, and husband. We are all completely dumbfounded with how quickly it all happened. I know though, in my heart and soul, that she was ready to go home to the Lord. 

I don't expect much, but because it happened so fast, my family struggled financially to provide the service we felt she deserved. We did everything we could to ensure that it would be beautiful service so that we might honor her for everything she stood for along with all the ways she has touched us throughout her life. We all came together as a whole - and as a family - to make the service very special and memorable, even amidst the pandemic. It needed to be a beautiful and heartfelt service...and it was. All I am asking for is whatever you are able to give. My family and I are willing to accept any contributions that you might extend our way, even if it is just a few dollars. Whatever you can afford to donate will be utilized towards the unprecedented expenses of the memorial service, and any other proceeds will ideally alleviate my mother’s impending medical bills. 

Venmo: @Jmcgill1990  

CashApp: $JoshMcGill 

I want to take a moment to thank every one of you for your undying help and support - and for just being there. Not only for myself, but for my family as well. They truly appreciate each and every one of you. Whether you knew my mom personally or not, she will know who helped us in this difficult time of hurt and turmoil. It’s funny...She probably wouldn't have asked for help because this was the type of beautiful person she was. But even still, I’ve learned that it never hurts to ask for a helping hand. I would like to thank each and every one of you personally for taking the time to hear my voice, and may God Bless you all. Even if you didn’t know my mother, I believe you will see and/or feel her spirit here and there, and her presence will be there for you the way she always has been for me.

May God Bless each and every one of you.

Best,

Joshua McGill and Family

P.S. Below is my mother’s Eulogy that I spoke along with my second brother during her service. It was very meaningful to us, and hopefully it will give you and idea of who our mother was:

                                                               

TAMMI MICHELLE MCGILL

On behalf of the McGill family, I'd like take the time to thank you all for being here - for all your thoughts, prayers, and kindness you have shown.

 

 It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a remarkable woman today, who left her mark on our hearts and our lives.

 

  History marks Friday, December 27th, 1968 as day the Apollo 8 came blazing back into our atmosphere and landed safety back to earth. It marked an important time in American history. It's also the same day Tammi Michelle McGill came blazing into our world and our lives would never be the same.

 

 Those of us who love her, and ache with her passing, know Tammi by the many titles she held: Wife. Mother. Sister. Grandmother. Aunt Tammi. Friend.

        

        If you had the pleasure of knowing my Mother, you knew she had a bubbly personality. She had this habit when she entered a room... She would do so in such a way, that you knew you were in the presence of someone great. Her warm, inviting smile would draw people in, and it made them feel safe and welcome. She had this way of making you feel as though you knew her your whole life... I don't think there is a time in my Mother's life, when she ever met a stranger.

 

        Tammi's heart was her family. She adored her husband and her 3 sons - her 3 J's, as she would call us. There are a million memories we share with her that are woven together with grace, redemption, laughter, tears, and most of all, love. We were her everything and made sure we knew. Of course, she was like that with everyone she cared about. When she said I love you, you knew she meant it. That was Tammi. She lived her life out loud; she was bold, fearless, and unapologetically herself. By doing so, it freed those around her and gave them the strength to do the same. And we love her for it...

 

  There were so many things to love about my Mother. Her caring nature was just one of them. My Mom would go out of her way for the people she loved. She sacrificed countless hours – tired, but devoted to those in her life who could not care for themselves. That's just who my Mother was at her very core of her being.

 

  But she was also fun to be around! Mom had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that would spread to those around her, sometimes leaving them with a case of the giggles.. And, oh, how Mom loved to sing!  If you truly knew Tammi, you knew she loved to sing. She would close her eyes and feel the music, open her eyes back up and belt it out. It was her thing. She would draw you in and take you on a the musical journey with her. Whether it was Pat Benatar or Christian music, she sang like she did with everything in her life – straight from the heart. 

 

 We always say that the hour of death cannot be forecast, and can come at any moment for any of us.. but when we say this, we imagine that hour is in the obscure and distant future. We never imagine that it could be today and that death can arrive this even this very afternoon...

Here is a poem we would like to recite in honor of her:

 

There was no time to say goodbye.

But this I ask - please do not cry.

Remember me as you think best.

Remember the happy times, but forget the rest.

Look for me and I'll be there,

And you will find me everywhere:

In the gentle touch of the breeze

That cools the skin or swirls the leaves.

In the scent and color of flowers

That gave me such happy hours.

On sunny days, under sunny skies of blue,

Just think of me, I'll be with you.

In winter when there's cloud or mist,

The rain will give to you my kiss.

As wood smoke lingers in the air,

Look for me and I'll be there.

Where seagulls cry above the sea

And surf rolls in so endlessly.

Among towering trees that soar above,

In all these things that I once loved.

Look for me and I'll be there.

You'll feel my presence  - Everywhere.

 The world will long remember my Mom's legacy; as a believer, as a follower, and a champion for Christ. Her love for her Savior showed. Whenever she was needed, whether it was to uplift a weary heart in the women's ministry, or the countless volunteer hours she gave helping to rebuild her church after Katrina. If my Mother was able to help, she did.

 

  I am honored and privileged to stand before you today as one of Tammi Michelle McGill's sons. Among the many things she instilled in us, the most important is the love of Jesus.

 

 She is her father's daughter, in every sense of the word. He decided he needed her right now. And while this leaves a giant, aching hole within those of us she has left behind - we know that we will see her again. 

 

 In conclusion, let us reminiscence in the joyful, loving memories and rejoice knowing that she is no longer in pain. She is with Jesus and her beloved family members that have gone on before her. So, friends, let us not stand at her grave, mourn her passing, but celebrate the life that Tammi lived.

Thanks again, 

The McGill Family

Venmo: @Jmcgill1990  

CashApp: $JoshMcGill