Meredith Elizabeth Tatum passed from this earth on September 2, 2026. She was born November 9, 1990 in Wichita, Kansas, the second of two children welcomed by Connie Tatum Burnett and Steve Tatum, bursting on the scene with a brainy exuberance in her diminutive, athletic body. She joined her older brother, Michael, who called her “Mimi” at an early age, and most came to know her as that throughout her childhood.

She spent kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Wichita, excelling in academics, soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, track and other activities (including Scholars Bowl in which she was particularly proficient in current trivia). She continued her classroom and athletic achievement at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School where she gained All-City recognition in volleyball.

She chose her parents’ alma mater, Oklahoma State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services, Hotel and Restaurant Administration. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority where she made life-long friends, and exercised her love of music, using an oft-hidden lyrical voice as a cast member in the O-State stage productions of Freshman Follies and Varsity Review, roles she treasured for life.

During college she worked at Karsten Creek Golf Club and had a summer internship at a resort in Los Cabos, Mexico where she was the only English-speaking employee on the crew. After college, she became Assistant Manager at a downtown OKC hotel.

She decided to pursue additional education and earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma School of Law in 2019. Her capability was captured by a renowned law school professor in a public recommendation of Meredith: “high level analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex legal issues, communicates well, team player.” Instead of a career in law, she leveraged her endearing interpersonal skills to pursue a passion to serve people in her community in various roles, most recently as Programs Manager at the Oklahoma City non-profit organization, Cleats for Kids.

Meredith was loyal and compassionate, with a sweet soul and a contagious laugh. With a clever and self-deprecating sense of humor, she put others at ease and felt comfortable in any setting with every age group. She cared deeply about what mattered and was always attentive to how others were doing, especially anyone who might feel left out or hurt.

She was a loyal and true OSU supporter and avid OKC Thunder fan. She knew all the players and could discuss game strategy and player performance with even the most ardent fans. She also loved karaoke and attending concerts with her friends, including several trips to Lollapalooza. She appreciated all forms of art and used her creative talent in many ways. She was truly an artist at heart, painted beautifully and made many homemade gifts and flower arrangements for others. She was an excellent cook, and she particularly enjoyed cooking for others, including catering several events for friends and family.

The full magnitude of her passing cannot be captured by words, and the void will not be filled. Her spirit will carry on through all that came to know her and the memories shared.

Meredith is survived by her mother, Connie Burnett (Chris) and father, Steve Tatum (Nancy Baker), brother Michael Tatum (Cassie) and nephew Benson and niece Olivia along with her grandfather, Donald Tatum (Geneva) and stepbrothers Colton Burnett and Chase (Rachel) Burnett and their children Cameron and Murphy. Meredith is also survived by her beloved dog and devoted companion, Loki. Also surviving her are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all special to her in their own way but too many to mention (plus Meredith would be so worried someone might be left out!).

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents: Rosemarie and Victor Dubberstein and her paternal grandmother, Loyce Tatum.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 13 at Oak Tree Country Club, 700 Country Club Dr, Edmond, OK 73025, from 5:00-7:00 pm, service at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homeless Alliance, Cleats for Kids https://www.cleatsforkids.org/, Positive Tomorrows https://www.positivetomorrows.org/ or a charity of your choice.

Rest in peace our lovely, sweet girl.