HCJB Global is celebrating the life of Kesha Tann, a staff member who worked for the organization for three years, most recently as senior accountant. Her tragic death the morning of Wednesday, June 27, has made a powerful impact on the HCJB Global staff around the world.

Police indicated that she was murdered in the parking lot of the mission's Ministry Service Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., as she arrived for work at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

"We are shocked at this horrible act, and our staff around the world is mourning the loss of our dear friend, Kesha," said Dick Jacquin, vice president of support ministries. "She was one of those people who put a smile on your face when you saw her, and she had a laugh that was infectious. Her death is a great loss to us as a family and a loss to us as an organization. She was a wonderful staff member and friend to many in her quiet loving way. We will miss her greatly."

Kesha, 42, who lived in Colorado Springs since 1994, was admired for her sincere Christian faith. She was active in her home church, True Spirit Baptist Church, and in the community. Kesha lived with her mother, Agnes Smith, and two daughters, LaKesha, 19, and Aliya, 13.

Rev. Orian A. Flournoy said, "She was a faithful member of our church, involved with the women's ministry, the youth, Bible studies and Sunday school. She was totally supportive of the church as a whole."

Before her untimely death, Kesha was working on a citywide effort to bring local African American churches together to talk about what they could do for global missions.

"She really had a heart for missions," said Ralph Moreman of HCJB Global's advancement department. "She wanted to see what we could do at HCJB Global to engage the African American community and recognize the contributions of African American churches in missions, both abroad and in the local community."

For nearly 10 years Kesha had attended Good News Church where Pastor Ralph Kelly recalled many fond memories. "She would tell a joke or remember something at the church that happened that was funny," he explained. "She was just good at embellishing and making it come alive! Sure, we're going to miss her a lot, but we also know that she's with the Lord, and that's a great place to be."

Kesha was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on April 11, 1965. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School with honors and began her endeavor to attain a college degree at Westchester Community College. After relocating to Colorado Springs 13 years ago she earned an associate degree in accounting from Pikes Peak Community College.

The following are quotes from HCJB Global staff members telling about their friendship with Kesha:

Jim Allen, senior vice president: "Kesha was a highly respected, efficient lady who demonstrated helpfulness with a wonderful spirit."

Dan Shedd, chief financial officer: "Kesha was a person so full of life. Earlier this year after a staff member left, Kesha came up to the plate, and she delivered. We began giving her more responsibilities until in February we promoted her to senior accountant. She was delighted. I remember her smile and willingness to help. The times I got to know her best were in our Thursday-morning Bible study. She was very interested in growing in her faith, and it was neat to see that in her. We also enjoyed playing softball with her on the HCJB Global team. This exemplifies who she was: a fun-loving person who loved her Lord and her family. She will truly be missed."

Ryan Roberts, director of ministry partnerships: "Kesha was excited about playing softball. At practice I got to see how much she cherished family and wanted them always involved as she brought her daughter, brother and his kids with her. Her daughter saw her mom as her hero and best friend. At the games, Kesha would always warn me that she loved to hit, but running was not her thing! She was always laughing and smiling, encouraging everyone on the team. She loved this opportunity and excuse to be around family and friends."

Ron Cline, former president: "Kesha was the kind of worker who would do anything for anyone. She was a lifesaver for me in the whole financial area. Her spirit was so joyful!"

Donna Williams, former employee and friend: "I appreciated how funny that girl was. She would come visit me in my little office sometimes, and we would laugh till we cried. The sweetest, funniest friend I have ever known."

Lucy Gray, purchasing and shipping manager: "Kesha was a loving, caring woman who was so proud of her girls. She didn't have earthly wealth but would share what she had. She has left a huge void in our department. She was a great asset to our team and we miss her tremendously."

Coral Diaz, information systems office manager: "Kesha was a loving, wonderful mother and a dear friend. I miss her a lot. I miss her every day. I will miss her smile, her hugs, her sharing about her girls. She will never be forgotten. She confided in me. We could sit and talk about real life. I knew I could call her day or night and she'd be by my side. We could sit and pray together. She was a wonderful Christian woman. She loved God and her family. I want everyone to know that. She was a sister to me. We fought like sisters and loved like sisters. I will miss her."

Derrick Jeffers, corporate controller: "Kesha was a very loving and caring mother who put the lives of her daughters and family above her own. She fixed her hope on Jesus Christ, and she was an encouragement to me each day. I'm proud of Kesha, and we at HCJB Global loved her very much. I looked forward every morning to the opportunity to tell her good morning and see her smile."

The memorial service was held at True Spirit Baptist Church in Colorado Springs the morning of Friday, July 6. For a video tribute to Kesha's life, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc1lS7lZCjc.

HCJB Global is encouraging its staff and members of the community to donate to the Kesha Tann Memorial Fund, set up by the family at Ent Federal Credit Union, in lieu of flowers. This fund will provide for the needs of Kesha's two daughters. Memorial gifts may be deposited at any Ent branch in Colorado Springs.