Tammi M. Long

Greatness.

It’s something you can see, but it’s unexplainable when it happens. It is SUPERNATURAL POWER!

For people like Minister Tammi Monique Rahnonda (Martin) Long, intensity and drive is what catapults them past others. Yet Minister Tammi consistently possessed a quiet humbleness, and stayed true to her upbringing by treating others with kindness.

Family members and others were in awe of Tammi’s exemplary professional and academic achievements. She had four Master’s degrees, became a ministerial leader, a tax preparer, grant writer, entrepreneur and got a life insurance accreditation just days before she passed.

Tammi used her artistic side by educating, rapping, singing and composing music to set the spiritual foundation for her family by using her artistic side: by composing music and recited poetry.

There was very little Tammi didn’t accomplish.

“Tammi was a gift to this earth,” her older brother Ricardo Martin said. “She was only my little sister in birth order, but in reality I looked up to her.

“She was uncompromising, so bold and would do things other people wouldn’t do. She was somebody who didn’t follow the crowd. (But) she was always loving, caring and kind.”

As the baby girl of seven children, Tammi was born on March 31, 1970 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Her life upheld the high standards set by her parents Quinnon L. Martin Jr. and Archbishop Dr. Eileen V. Martin.

Tammi was baptized the first time at the Original Church of God on Linwood St. in Detroit at the age of six under Bishop Donald Jones. In fact, Bishop Jones let Tammi get baptized as often as she wanted to. If there was ever a category in the Genius Book of World Records for being baptised the most, Tammi would have won hands-down. Tammi embodied the scripture Mathew 5:16, always letting her faith be known in quiet, subtle ways to “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Many of her Mumford High School classmates always noticed Tammi carrying her Bible daily with her school books, holding prayer sessions before track meets and exuding God’s presence in her life.

What they didn’t know is at 16 years old Tammi was an ordained licensed minister at Crossroads Victory Full Gospel International Cathedral church. She served as an Assistant Pastor at Crossroads Victory for 23 years.

It was in a chemistry class at Mumford High School when Edward Long first noticed Tammi, the cute girl wearing nice clothes and an asymmetrical haircut.

They reconnected at Western Michigan University when they were both in the same dorm. Ed wasted no time, helping her move in.

The pair started dating shortly thereafter and the best friends were married in 1993. Together they raised three children: Edward K, Alexander Christian, and Rebekah Cynthia Victoria Long.

“Like her mother, (Tammi) was such a formidable woman. Anybody who spent more than a couple of minutes talking to her would automatically respect or appreciate or regard her as a woman who took care of business,” Edward Long said. “She was the ultimate partner for me. She was super loving, always supportive, encouraging, complimentary and she would carry forth the standard of our family. She was the (whole) cheer team, not just a cheerleader.”

Tammi earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University in Early Childhood Education with two certified specializations in Science and Art. She also received a Masters of Arts from Marygrove College; Masters of Accounting from the University of Phoenix; a Masters of Finance and Masters of International Computer Science both from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Teaching was Tammi’s first career “calling.” She began working with the Detroit Public Schools, where she taught science and art for 25 years before retiring. Later, Tammi was a part-time teacher at Crossroads Victory Christian Academy.

As a mother, Tammi was a warm, loving and supportive parent who always took the extra mile for her children. Most importantly, she expected excellence academically and a fervent belief in God.

Tammi taught Ed Jr., Alex and Rebekah to create dozens of vision boards to plan their own futures. Tammi poured positives into their lives, while giving them the motivation, love and joy they needed to be successful.

“She was always opinionated but she let you have your life,” her son Edward K. Long said. “She was never overbearing. She instilled faith in God in us very heavily.”

Added Rebekah: “She instilled so much motivation, love and joy and aspiration into our lives. She was so multifaceted. I love the motivating energy she has given me because no other person in my life has done that.”

As Rev. Long, she was a mighty minister preaching, teaching and living God’s word. Her discernment as a prophet in the Detroit Christian Fellowship & Seminary also encouraged many.

Other areas she thrived were as an avid fundraiser and grant-writer for the Women’s Justice Center, Inc, a . domestic violence agency and Victory Church; the founder of Long Accounting, LLC; an USA Turbo Tax agent and shared her deep intelligence and financial wisdom on several non- and for-profit boards.

Everyone loved Minister Tammi, a powerful loving blessed fantastic Woman of God.

“When it comes to where Tammi is right now, there is no doubt. You know what she believed and because of that, we're going to miss her,” Edward Long said. “But that sadness will be replaced by joy because she's right where she knew she was going to be one day. The way she lived, she put herself in position to be there (in Heaven).”

Tammi is preceded in death by her sister, Donielle.

She is also survived by her mother and father, Eileen V. Martin and Deacon Quinnon L. Martin Jr. Cynthia Long (mother-in-law), Edward Long (father-in-law), Erica Long (sister-in-law),
Loving siblings Quinnon III (Michelle); Sakina Griggs, Ricardo (Yvette), Lynnice (Perry), Joshua (Sherronda) and Courtney Dominique. She also leaves a great number of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and genuine friends.