Tatum Rae Vance

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Ms. Tatum Rae Vance, age 32 of Blairsville who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

Tatum was captivating. Her smile and contagious laugh made her presence known as she lit up the room. She found humor and a "silver-lining" in every situation. Her quick wit and child-like giddiness warmed the hearts of others and put them at ease. She could also be slightly prideful and stubborn as a mule. Tatum approached life with a laid back and low maintenance attitude because she knew that in the end everything would be just fine. Her horses and the barn were both her passion and therapy.

Quite simply, Tatum loved her Lord and sought a deep relationship with Him. Tatum adopted the verse from 2 Corinthians 5:7 as her life mantra for she walked by faith and not by sight - LITERALLY. Described as "the bravest, fiercest girl you ever knew", her determination and perseverance was a reflection of the One who created and saved her. This is how she was able to take everything that was thrown at her with such grace. Tatum was an overcomer in ways that one could never fully understand. Tatum created a blog to share her story, experiences, and struggles. This was therapeutic for her, but became inspirational for many. She developed a huge desire to be an encouragement to others who were also facing struggles.

No one will ever be able to take her place in this life.

Tatum will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: Mother, Linda Wilson; Brother and Sister-in-law Chad Vance & Samantha Vance; Brother, Justus Wilson; Grandfather, Jim "Papa" Holder; Niece, Oaklyn Vance; Nephew, Jaxon Vance; Aunt & Uncle, Jeannie & Mark Lasko; Cousins, Zach & Cassie; Aunt & Uncle, Tricia & David Green; Aunt Karen Parks; and Cousins Hayden & Alec.

She was also loved by SO many extended family and friends who will treasure memories of her in their hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her Grandmother, Helen Holder; Grandfather, John Vance; Great Aunt and Uncle, Nancy and Darrell Bellamy; Uncle, Jimmy Holder; and Aunt, Sherry Holder.

Due to the COVID-19 situation our nation is facing all funeral, memorial, and celebration services and gatherings are limited to immediate/ extended family. The family gathered together privately on Saturday from 1-4 p.m at Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

We want to remind and encourage you to still support your friends and neighbors who are walking through very difficult times losing their loved one in the midst of COVID-19.

Here are some ways that you can help (even while social distancing):

1) Leave a condolence message on our website prior to the service and we will place it in our chapel/ facility to show that you are there with love "in spirit" and thinking of them.

2) Continue to order flowers and gifts directly from your local and preferred florist. Not only does this soften the room, but it helps these small businesses who need your support!

3) After the service- Send the family a card, Give them a call, Show them love any way that you can. Let them know that they are not alone!

Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville is honored to serve the family.