Linda Tatum Parrish's Obituary
Tatum Parrish passed away in her sleep March 27, 2026 at 82 years old. She was born Linda Ellen Tatum on February 26, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to Marjorie Louise and Bernice Aubrey Tatum. She had an older sister, Barbara Ann (Tatum) Schielke with whom she remained very close until Barbara’s passing in 2019. Tatum, along with her sister and her mother, moved to Memphis, TN when she was 12 years old to be with extended family after the passing of her father. She attended Colonial Jr. High School, and in 1962, she graduated from Overton High School. She loved being a cheerleader in high school and often reminisced about her teenage years. Tatum married shortly after high school and became a young mother. She went on to have 5 children, Jack Whitaker, Joseph “Joe” Whitaker, Michael Steven “Steve” Whitaker, Robin Olson, and Aubrey Olson. She often talked about the early days of parenthood and marriage, laughing about the mishaps of being thrust into adulthood and reliving the joys of raising children. She eventually became grandmother to 8 grandchildren: Jordan, Nicholas, Brandon, Samantha, Jared, Izac, Jack, and Lauren. And then great grandmother to 2 great grandchildren: Ryder and Easton and her step-granddaughter Raini; all of whom she loved dearly.
Tatum spent most of her life raising children and some of her grandchildren. We knew her as Mom, Mama, and Grandma. She loved each one dearly and would give whatever she could to support us, even if it meant sacrificing her own needs. Tatum had more than her fair share of hardships throughout her 82 years, yet she always found ways to laugh and have a good time. She was very silly and often had those around her laughing. She also loved to dance, even when her mind and body grew weary with age. She was a great listener and friend, often providing bits of advice such as “things happen for a reason” and “life is life”, meaning be patient and accept things as they are. We will undoubtedly hear these words when we need them going forward. We all love her tremendously and will miss her eternally.
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