2nd Lt. Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez
~^~February 19, 1983 - September 12, 2006~^~
In loving memory and with a heavy heart...On this 12th day in Sept.2006
Not just another fatality, This was our precious Emily.
As for myself I'm a poet that writes from the heart, but upon reading
of Emily's short life and her ambition and love for God,
no words seem enough to pay homage that portrays this unique
young lady with a heart of pure gold,seeking out goodness and sharing
true Christian attributes where ever she went.Your life should be a
poster and example for all of us to strive in the perfection that you did
to the very end,you made a difference and impacted lives that you were
unaware.Links that can be copy and pasted will lead you to more of the
legacy of this fine upstanding young lady.Although we never met,
our spirits have collided and with deepest sympathy for your loved ones
We salute you:
2nd Lieutenant Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez. Some called her JT,
but we all remember her as Em, ever since she and my Aletha were in playpens.
Look at you in full dress, looking awesome as you represent with no regrets
Her parents are Daniel and Victoria (Reynolds) Perez.
She never married, nor had children, for her desire was to serve for our
country's freedom.
She had just turned 23 years old, dedicated to her country but her many
dreams and life goals was cut short.
When in Iraq, she fell under attack, a victim of this gruesome war,
she gave her all and paid the ultimate for the enemy once again scored.
A young woman full of love and devotion, that lived a life upright and true, a wonderful daughter and dear friend to so many
That was honored to be in her presence at home or in the army.
Only God knows why some are chosen at such an early age
But we can trust in our Savior that resurrection she had from the grave.
For no greater gift can a man give than to lay his life down for another,
this included is any sister or brother.
Dearest Em our hearts are breaking this day, but the smile you have in your
full dress to represent says you have no regrets.
God bless you until we reunite and thank-you dear one for you made us proud
then and now, for you will remain one super gal!
<
By:Linda Begley
This poem is With appreciation, admiration
and love for a precious sister in Christ,
Thank-you precious child of God!!
May God bless and comfort your family and the
multitude of friends until reunited again.
special request from Ethel Buchanan
and daughter Aletha, former childhood friend
of this brave soldier.
The links failed to set up so I am sharing this
wonderful eulogy that any of us could only pray that
ours would be as full some day.
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home Eulogy
2nd Lt. Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez
February 19, 1983 - September 12, 2006
Resided In: Ft. Washington Maryland
Funeral Home: Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
Visitation: September 23, 2006
Service: September 23, 2006
Cemetery: U. S. Military Academy
Our Emily
Root: Feminine form of Aemilius
Origin: Latin
Meaning: "ambitious, industrial"
Majestic: one who leads passionately
Personality: someone who knows when to change
Genuine: a volunteer in many causes
Style: one whose counsel is widely sought
Ability: does her work competently
Character: always scratches beneath the surface
Sentiment: welcomes guests with open arms
Physical: moves full steam ahead
On February 19, 1983, a frosty Saturday morning in Heidelberg, Germany
Emily Jazmin Tatum finally decided (after deliberating for about 2 ½ days)
to make her debut as the daughter of proud parents, Daniel and Vicki Perez.
We didn't stay long at the hospital because she was rearing to break in her
big brother Kevyn, affectionately known to her as Bubba.There was no mistaking
that they were two inseparable peas in a pod with her as the apple of his eye. Everywhere that Bubba went Emily was sure to go.
It became very obvious at a very early age that Emily had a deep, abiding
love for Christ that caused her to serve Him with a passion.
In 1989, at the age of six, Emily decided that she wanted to be baptized
although we as her parents thought it was too early. But after a private
discussion with her godfather, Pastor Michael T. Bell, we were all baptized
as a family.‘Thank you God for that beautiful day.Emily's first service
to God started with Easter speeches. She loved the long speeches and would
recite them proudly and loudly. In addition to her Easter debuts,Emily loved
singing with the children's and youth Choirs, ushering with the youth usher
board, assisting with children's church, and tutoring for the church
tutoring program at Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Mannheim,Germany and
Peace Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. In 2000 Emily focused her passion
on the ministry of HIV/AIDS due to her love for Mr.Teddy,an extended family member.
She met with her godfather to discuss the need for a HIV/AIDS ministry which
resulted in the beginning of the Peace Baptist Church Shekinah Ministry.
She also became an HIV/Aids peer educator with the Alexandria Red Cross Chapter
and the Red Cross National Chapter.In 2001, she was honored by the Red Cross
Board of Governors for her endeavors and contributions to the HIV/AIDS
epidemic.
Emily's academic career started shortly after staying at home with Ma for
two years. She mustered up her little body to make a big impression on the
teachers and administrators at Happy Child Christian Day Care in Killeen,
TX in the fall of 1985. That's where she began reading at the ripe old age of 3. From there we ventured back to the land of her birth where she began her academic endeavors. She became fluent in the German language at the age of four while attending the Evangelist kindergarten in Seckenheim, Germany. At the age of five, Emily was enrolled in the Mannheim Elementary School where in her second grade year she was identified and placed in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program, thus beginning an aggressive and challenging academic career. In 1997 she became one of the youngest members of the Model United Nations (MUN) as a freshman at Heidelberg American High School which resulted in her travels to Russia and De Hague, Netherlands as a youth ambassador. During her freshman year, she was first chair clarinet in the Heidelberg Band, a member of the varsity track team where she took the silver in the 100 meter dash and the bronze as the first leg in the 4x1 relay at the 1997 European finals. In 1998, we decided it was time to return to the U.S. to get Emily acclimated to our school system. She was tested and enrolled in the Science and Technology program at Oxon Hill High School with her eventually graduating in the top five percent of her class in 2001. In the winter of 2000, Emily received the nomination of both Senator Mulkowski and Congressman Wynn to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Emily reported for duty with great pride and anticipation in July 2001. She soon distinguished herself as the academic Geek of the Week. At West Point, she was a very active member of the Gospel Choir, Officers of Christian Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Taking Academic Responsibility and Succeeding (STARS), the Corps' track team, and many more organizations. She proudly served in leadership roles that ranged from squad leader to eventually the Battalion Sergeant Major, Regiment Sergeant Major, Beast Sergeant Major, and finally the first African American Female to serve as the Corps Command Sergeant Major (CSM) for the 2005 school year. During her entire career at West Point Emily maintained a GPA that allowed her to wear the academic Star and Gold wreath. In May 2005, Emily graduated in the top 10% of her class. She was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as a Medical Service Officer by LTG Bill Lennox.
Although in her short life of 23 years Emily's accomplishments were many,
she never wanted them highlighted or exposed. In her eyes, her greatest
accomplishment was living every minute of her life serving, taking care of
others, and loving it.
On September 12, 2006, Emily, affectionately known as Em, Emma, TiTi,
Taz and Kobe, in full praise and in a twinkling of an eye, was swept up in
the arms of her Holy Father to join her namesake and great grandmother,
Emeline Garner, and her Daddy Bill.
She leaves to celebrate her life and to continue her zeal to serve, her
loving parents, Daniel and Vicki, her Bubba, Kevyn and his wife,
her big sister, Kim along with her very heartbeats, her nephews, Ke'Juan,
Kyrahn, and Kaylen; her maternal grandmother, Rena Gunter; her paternal
grandmother, Delia Torres; her uncles Hylan, Elmer, and Jimmy; her aunts
Reesa, Judy, Lilly and Sonya; her honorary aunts Patricia (Netgirl), Carrie,
and Pat; Madrina; her cousins Hylan Michael, Holly, Carmen, Anthony,Joshua,
and Eric, along with the Village women in her life,
Her girls (you know who you are) and a great host of family and friends.
The family (to include Peace Baptist Church, C Co, 204th Support Battalion
and the United States Corp of Cadets) of Second Lieutenant Emily J. T. Perez,
sincerely appreciates every act and thought of kindness in this hour of
bereavement.
A foundation / scholarship fund for African-American and Hispanic women who
share Emily's passion for Sociology and Medical Services has been established
in her honor.
We challenge each of you to honor and cherish the memory of Emily
and to not only ‘talk the talk' but ‘walk that talk' for:
‘Eyes have not seen, nor ears have heard, nor have entered into the hearts
of men what God has prepared for those who love Him.'
I Corinthians 2:9
‘Use what you've got, start where you are, and do what you can,
knowing that you can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you.'
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