Acie Tatum

With deepest sorrow, we share that Acie Kelly Tatum, 19, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, Sept. 7, 2025, as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

Born Oct. 11, 2005, in Wilmington, N.C., Acie was the cherished daughter of the late Michael E. Tatum and Michele Kelly (formerly of Dallas, PA) of Cary, North Carolina.

Acie's roots and travels extended to Northeast Pennsylvania, where her mother was born and many of her family members — uncles, cousins and grandparents — still reside.

Acie's life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with extraordinary joy, light and love that she shared with all who knew her. Known for her kindness, determination and wisdom beyond her years, she touched countless lives with her genuine care for others.

In 2014, Acie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a challenge she met with remarkable resilience and strength. She never allowed it to limit her spirit or her dreams, inspiring those around her with her courage and perseverance.

From an early age, Acie dedicated herself to cheerleading, spending 12 years competing at the highest level of all-star cheerleading. She earned the honor of becoming a world champion with her team, Code Black, and was named "Best Teammate" three years in a row at CEA. At Green Level High School, she cheered and competed in stunt for four years, serving as captain of her Stunt team during her senior year.

Acie's talents and passions extended far beyond athletics. She was deeply creative, enjoying painting, crafting, playing guitar and piano, and even building intricate Lego sets. She developed a love for Formula 1 racing, which inspired her to attend UNC Charlotte to study mechanical engineering with a focus on motorsports. She was also a proud new member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, excited for the opportunities and friendships ahead.

One of Acie's most treasured joys was giving thoughtful, heartfelt gifts to her loved ones. She spent time carefully considering each one, ensuring they carried deep meaning for the people she cherished.

To know Acie was to feel her warmth, compassion and genuine love, especially for her friends, family and furry companions. She will be remembered always for her beautiful spirit, her laughter, and the lasting impact she made on everyone, fortunate enough to be in her life.

Acie is lovingly remembered by her mother, Michele and Todd (fiancé); brothers, Christopher, Brad, Matt and Ryan Tatum; maternal grandparents, Jill Kelly, Michael and LeDonne Kelly; great-grandmother, Rose Kelly; aunts, uncles, cousins, and by her furry friends, Romeo, Tango and Pretty Kitty.

She is preceded in death by her father, Michael Tatum.

A celebration of life will be held for local family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Backwoods Bar and Kitchen located at 469 Orange Road in Dallas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association - JDRA).