Charlotte "Charlie" Lynn Tatum, aged 63, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed peacefully from earth to her heavenly home on January 16, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. Charlie lived a life marked by enthusiasm, curiosity, and a devotion to God's creation.

Charlie was the beloved daughter of Odean Brown, stepdaughter to Dick Brown, and a cherished sister to Jimmy Tatum. Her legacy of love continues through her children Danielle (& Nate), Hannah (& Luke), and Dawson (& Sarah). Charlie's joy was multiplied by the love of her eleven grandchildren: Josiah, Hope, Gracie, Lilly, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Doug, Melody Joy, Bella, Gabriel "Biel", and Maggie-Rose, loving Stepsister Michelle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved pets. She was preceded in death by her Grandparents Otis and Geneva Tucker, Clyde and Vashti Tatum, father Maxwell "Dale" Tatum, beloved brother Maxwell "Mack" Dale Tatum Jr., niece Morgan Netherland, sister-in-law Robin Tatum, Uncle Clyde Lee Tatum, Aunt Thelma Tatum, and dear friends Andi and Arlene.

Born in Morton, Mississippi on April 23, 1960, she attended Brandon High School, Hinds Junior College, and Mississippi State University. Throughout her life, she enjoyed working and volunteering in exciting roles: as a hospital candy-striper, a zookeeper, animal rehabilitator, foster mom, phlebotomist, brownie scout mother, chiropractor aide, homeschool mom field trip chaperone, and at a Pediatrician's Office.

Charlie loved life and had many interests, but friends and family remember her most for her love of plants and animals. She was a natural green thumb and specialized in growing beautiful orchids. She never met an animal she couldn't love or rehabilitate (not even a snapping turtle) and her children often remember being met at home with baby raccoons, snakes, bunny rabbits, and even a Canadian Goose in the bathtub. She was an enthusiastic sports fan and enjoyed dressing up in team colors to watch and root for the Green Bay Packers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. She loved traveling and went on many road trips to visit dear friends and family as well as took trips to such destinations as Mexico, Russia, Honduras, and Brazil.

Charlie loved God, loved people, and was actively involved in her community. She loved her work family and friends. Until her passing, she happily worked at Century 21 in Apollo Beach, Florida, as a receptionist. She faithfully attended church her entire life, most recently at Sun City Center United Methodist Church. When the effects of chemo kept her home, she enjoyed attending virtually. The highlight of her week was attending and leading weekly bible studies with close friends. She enjoyed neighborhood get-togethers and made friends easily. She was the trusted neighborhood pet sitter and loved on many friends' dogs over the years. She had a special way with animals. Most of all, she is remembered for her compassion and dedication in visiting and cheering up friends that were sick or in nursing homes over the years.

Charlie is remembered most lovingly as a devoted mother that gave her kids a wonderful childhood. She often volunteered as a teacher's helper and chaperoned her children's school and sporting events. She was the best at comforting her kids on sick days and is fondly remembered as having thrown the best birthday and tea parties. She was a caring grandmother "LaLa" and loved spoiling her grandbabies with thoughtful gifts and lots of kisses. She was proud of her children and loved being a mom and LaLa. She is already so missed by them all.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at The Bible Fellowship Church, 13439 Burnett Rd. Wimauma, FL 33598, on Tuesday, February 6th at 4:00p.m., officiated by Pastor Nathan Cate. Flower arrangement donations will be received at The Bible Fellowship Church from 9:00a.m.- 5:00p.m. on Monday, February 5th and 9:00a.m.- 3:00p.m. on Tuesday, February 6th. Per her wishes, Charlie will be laid to rest by her family at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi later this spring.

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