Melissa Hardwick Tatum, age 57, of Leland, passed away in the early hours of November 27th, 2024, while surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was the loving mother of two girls, and adoring wife to devout husband Charles D. Tatum. Melissa was born August 4,1967 in New Orleans, Louisiana and spent her childhood and part of her early adult life there until relocating to Brunswick County, North Carolina.

She soon met her husband and soulmate Doug in 1994 on a blind date, and they fell in love instantly. They knew they both shared a love for family, and decided to marry on September 30, 1995 and start their own.

As a mother and wife, Melissa was generous, loving, nurturing and kind. She never let a day go by without reminding her family how much she loved them. She was creative, talented, selfless, always giving her time to others, an inspiration to all those who knew her. Melissa was a fierce and courageous red head, the life of the party, and a Cajun woman who was extremely proud of her roots.

She loved her family and was a friend to all she met. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her, especially her family. Melissa was a strong believer in our Lord and Savior and prayed for her strength and for all of those around her. Melissa fought the good fight, and she always was and will always be our Warrior.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Kyle Gene Hardwick.

Melissa is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Charles Douglas Tatum, who stood by her side with unwavering support and devotion; her First born daughter Brianna Tatum and soon to be husband Gregory Noll of Supply; Second born daughter Brittany Tatum and boyfriend (who Melissa considers one of her own) Justin Rose of Leland; mother Alma Hardwick of Leland; and a sister Christine Crochet and her husband Kevin of Riegelwood.

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭22‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403, where a Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until time of services.

Please leave online condolence messages for Melissa’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.wilmingtoncares.com