Tammi LaTanya Melton was born into life on August 31, 1968, in Melrose Park, Illinois to proud parents Otis and Betty Jones (Jackson) who both preceded her in death. From an early age Tammi could light up any room she entered with her bubbly, talkative personality, and beautiful smile.

She professed her love for Christ at the age of 7 in 1975. She was baptized and joined the Second Baptist Church of Maywood, IL under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Wallace W. Sykes. She served on the Junior Usher Board, as a member of the Young People's Choir, and attending Sunday School, BTU, and Vacation Bible School. As an adult she became a member of Trinity United Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, and later joining New Faith Baptist Church International where she remained a member until her passing.

Tammi attended Irving Elementary School where she was a member of student council. After graduation she attended Providence St. Mel High School, graduating in the mighty class of 1986 from Proviso East High School. Tammi continued with her post-secondary education at Triton College, graduating with her Associate degree. Because education was an important part of her life, after giving birth to her son Pierre, she continued her education at Edward Waters College an HBCU in Jacksonville, FL. Tammi later graduated from Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Education, and Lewis University with a Master of Counseling. She used every moment to propel her to her goal. She loved to stay busy!! From doing hair on the weekends for family and friends, to being a well-loved server at Red Lobster, all while attending college, she was determined to succeed!! After college, Tammi was blessed to have an impactful 25 plus year career in education and school counseling. During her career, she served many schools in the Chicagoland area including PAEC School in Maywood, IL, North Lawndale College Prep, Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, IL, and the Archdiocese of Chicago where she served as counselor for 4 schools. She loved her students like they were her own children and was committed to their graduation and success in life. She was well-loved and respected by the children whose lives she touched.

Tammi had a love for many things including music, dance, cosmetology and especially COOKING!! It was no surprise that her love for dance and music came from her mother. They both appreciated the legendary dancing style known as "Chicago Steppin". This love for steppin especially grew in February 2015 when she met her FOREVER steppin partner, the late Leon Melton, Jr. Leon and Tammi's relationship was like a beautiful whirlwind. In true Tammi and Leon fashion, they were engaged in July 2015 and married in September of the same year, having 3 receptions in ONE night! Their relationship and marriage was a sweet love song, and their smooth steppin style was admired by everyone who witnessed them dance. After the devastating loss of her husband, Tammi was happiest when she was being a granny, steppin, and cooking!! She inherited the gift of cooking from her mother and grandmother and used it to feed anyone who sat at her table.  There were no strangers in her home, and her door was always open. She passed that same love for cooking and catering on to her son Pierre.  Her cooking will be SORELY missed by everyone!!

On September 10th, when God called Tammi's name, she answered the call peacefully surrounded by those she loved. Her legacy will forever remain in the hearts of her children Pierre, Quincey, Brandon, Deon, and Maleah. Special "Daughter"; Denise Williams. Grandchildren; Paityn, Pierre Jr., Darinise, and Darielle. Mother and Father-in-Law; Leon, Sr. and Carole Melton. Sisters; Sharon Jones, Gale (Dennis) Taylor, Danielle (William) Mitchell, and Jeanais Cunningham. Brothers; Keith (Bernice) Jackson, Anthony

(Donna) Powell, Christian Jackson, Tobias Jackson, and Erik (Shondra) Porche. Aunts; Josephine Smith, Sandra Mallory, and Linda Mallory. Sisters-in-Laws; Kenysha, Barbara, and Jessica. Brothers-in-Laws; Mark and Ronald. Bonus Mother; Joyce Jones. Special Cousin; Rosa Morrell. The entire Florida and Milwaukee family, Davis, Johnson and Perkins families, as well as host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.

Tammi was also preceded in death by her second mother Suzanna Powell who was also her godmother; grandparents Clarence Sr. & Aretha Mallory; uncle Frank Smith, Sr.; and aunts Elvira and Aretta Smith; brothers Darren Jones, Sr. and John Powell, Jr.; brother-in-law Jerry Mays, and sister-in-law Patrice. Tammi touched the lives of all who knew her. Her memory will forever be cherished.