Moving Forward...Through Community and Faith

“I want to get the word out that the fund honoring the memory of my husband and three sons will provide not only scholarships to males pursuing degrees in law, divinity, and/or medicine, but that the fund also awards grants to programs that help prepare young men to go to college and be successful.”

This statement from Tammie Pulliam, wife of Rev. Dr. Rodney B. Pulliam, and mother to their three sons, Rodney II, Jordan and Matthew, are the words of a person who is strong beyond words, and who has channeled grief into something immensely positive. Almost ten years ago, Rev. Pulliam, Rodney II, Jordan and Matthew were rear-ended in their family’s vehicle in Frederick, claiming all four lives.

An irrevocable, life-changing event, full of unimaginable sorrow. Yet Tammie has persevered, led by her faith in God, surrounded with hope by her family and friends, and supported by the community to remember and pay tribute to her family.

When a Frederick County resident suggested to Tammie that she consider creating a fund at the Community Foundation in memory of her family, she was quickly on board with the idea. The Rev. Dr. Rodney B. Pulliam and Rodney II, Jordan and Matthew Memorial Fund was established in the fall of 2003. The fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations with programs that focus on developing character and leadership skills for males ages 5-40. Scholarships are given to deserving students active in their faith-based community with preference to males interested in pursuing law, medicine, and/or the ministry. Betsy Day, President of the Community Foundation, made the announcement about the fund at a memorial service held on the first anniversary of the tragedy. The outpouring of support from the community was tremendous. In 2004, the first scholarship from the fund was awarded to Scott Schittl, a Myersville resident studying for the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.

Tammie’s long road to healing and recovery from this loss has been multi-faceted. In 2004, she was accepted to the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA, and completed her degree in divinity. She is now an Associate Minister at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaver Dam, VA, and manages the “We Care” pastoral ministry program. Tammie is also a full-time occupational therapist. While most people keep their professional lives separate from their personal lives, Tammie does just the opposite. “I minister to people through my work as a therapist, helping them improve their lives. And when you are an ordained minister, your work is full-time in that capacity, too!” She also is a frequently requested speaker for events, sharing her journey of recovery and her faith with others, in the hope others may find healing and inspiration for difficult times.

Family and friends have helped Tammie organize various events over the years to raise money for the fund, including several gospel concerts. She is currently planning a new golf tournament event, to be held in the Fredericksburg area, her hometown. “The community has been a great supporter of these events,” said Tammie. “People often sent contributions even when they weren’t able to attend, and that meant a lot to me. “ As a result of the fundraising efforts, eight students have received scholarships from the fund since 2004.

Going forward, Tammie imagines impacting as many young men as possible through grants that assist nonprofits in providing skills that will help them excel in college. These programs could be summer youth camps, after-school computer labs, tutoring, and other ways that will ensure their success. Scholarships are focused in the areas of law, divinity, and/or medicine, as Tammie’s young boys had dreamt of becoming a judge, doctor and preacher, and her husband, Rodney, was a minister and lawyer.

This is a story of tremendous courage, faith, community and spirit. “Let’s think of the beginning of spring,” said Tammie. “And be forever reminded of life – and the joy, love and excitement that Rodney, Rodney II, Jordan and Matthew brought into our lives when they were here.”