Marilyn Ogburn Tatum

Marilyn Tatum, age 78, died peacefully while surrounded by family members on June 4, 2021 in Marietta, Georgia. Lyn is survived by her husband, Dr. William T. Tatum Jr. of Marietta, GA, her two sons, David Tatum (Lea) and Steven Tatum (Heather) of Marietta, GA, step-daughter Amanda Tatum of New Orleans, LA, step-son Barry Tatum (Kym) of Richmond, VA, grandchildren Amber, Josh, Hannah, Henry, Ashley, Elizabeth, Will and Savannah, and her brothers, Harris Ogburn (Sarah) of Knoxville TN and Steven Ogburn (Lynn) of Raleigh NC. Lyn is preceded in death by her parents, Harris J. Ogburn and Frances Ogburn, of Raleigh, NC. Lyn was born in Raleigh, NC on September 28, 1942.After graduating from The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Lyn moved to New York City to work at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. From there, Lyn worked as a Psychiatric Nurse at Duke University, and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatric Nursing at The University of Mississippi, The University of Missouri and Oklahoma Baptist University. Lyn married Bill on June 15, 1968 and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage. Lyn’s work as a nurse inspired a life-long passion for serving others. She focused her efforts on teaching, creating educational endowments for public school systems, advocating for the mentally ill, volunteering to help the underprivileged, working for social justice reform, and actively participating in efforts to increase voter registration. Lyn did not just talk the talk, she walked the walk, and inspired those around her to do the same. An avid lover of the North Carolina Tarheels, Lyn was always most energized during the months of college basketball season. She appreciated the rivalries and enjoyed nothing more than the obligatory post-game congratulatory phone calls to and from close friends and family after particularly big games. Lyn was a dear friend to many, and cherished relationships above all else. Never was a person more enthusiastic about expressing her love and gratitude towards her friends and family. She laughed loudly and often, loved big, and always showed up for those she loved. When it came down to cheering on her favorite people, she was always “first, loudest and longest” with her encouragement and support. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Marietta Educational Garden Center, 505 Kennesaw Ave. Marietta, Ga 30060, on Friday, August 13th, from 11am - 2pm. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Marilyn Tatum to the Atlanta Community Food Bank or the Fair Fight Action organization.