Name: El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park
Address: San Diego, CA

I met Brenda along with her husband and daughter when they came to my home to purchase a Bichon Frise puppy which they named "Buffy."  Brenda took such wonderful care of Buffy and Buffy was so loved by the family that they decided they wanted another Bichon  puppy (Bella) which they purchased from my friend Patti Clayton upon my recommendation.  After they had picked up Bella, they took the time to drive to my home in the Palm Springs area so that I could see both Buffy and Bella.  We had such a wonderful visit.  Brenda just beamed as she truly loved her Bichons.  We kept in touch via email and Brenda always sent me pictures of her beloved Bichons.  I will miss you Brenda and I know that you husband and daughter totally miss as well as Buffy and Bella.  Rest in Peace my good Friend.

I remember cousin Brenda calling me during my illness. That type of unique kindness and love was unexpected but so thoughtful. She truly encouraged me. It brings tears to my eyes now. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures. I hope we can all pass along the gifts she shared with us throughout our daily lives. God bless the family and friends.

I can remember working with Brenda while a member on the 17th church anniversary.  I knew of her but only after seeing her extraordinary organizational skills in action did I begin to pay attention to her.  I recall the chairman (Hill) searching diligently through his mountain of notes for several minutes looking for something covered in previous meetings (I took a picture of that moment) when Brenda spoke up recalling the incident, time  and date and what was agreed upon...IN DETAIL!  I said to myself, "WOW!, don't cross that woman and think she won't remember later!"  She displayed those same kinds of skills when we did the photo album.  Remember, Bernard? I have a potent memory of when Bernard was hospitalized with a potassium issue Brenda told me that she told Bernard, you can choose to live or you can choose to, in essence, throw in the towel.  She was full of sugary love but that was the sweetness in tough love as I see it.  Only weeks later when she was hospitalized did she, herself, had come face to face with those spoken words.  Guess what?  Her walk matched her talk. I can remember the Gauses (Ed & Maria), Reggie and I (the Sidney's) with you and Brenda at the Wiebe's home talking about your move to Florida and the subject of Alligators/Crocodiles came up.  She could be 'seriously funny' and was when she told us all that if she saw just one of those creatures in or around the house that she was coming back to California--with or without you.  I looked around as we all laughed.  She didn't crack grin one. I remember when that move had come to fruition and those that helped with the moving of furniture, etc. were standing in the garage that night.  I was looking at the three of you standing apart from the rest.  Bri-Bri had her arm around her mom's shoulder while standing on her left.  Bernard was standing slightly forward on her right and Brenda was standing in the middle.  I don't remember what was being discussed amongst the laughter but suddenly all I heard was quiet.  That picture was a Kodak moment in my mind and I wish I had a camera. Truthfully, had I taken that picture it couldn't have captured what my own eyes saw then and see now.   Brenda was right in the middle...right where she should have been...right where she still is.  For those of us that know Christ, "I'll see you again", I'm sure she would say.  For those that didn't I can hear her say, "Nice knowing ya'."  I'll end with this.  There are those people you only hear about and say to yourself, I wish I had known that person.  I didn't miss the boat on this meeting.  From me and Reggie, we'll see you again, Brenda.

In Memory of my dear friend Brenda,
We will miss you and our phone calls, visits and especially the visits.  We praise God, but know through His Word that the emptiness will only be until we meet again. For when we meet in our Father's house of many mansions there will be unspeakable joy.  You followed God's plan with your kindness, your love and your understanding.  God gave you a family that you truly loved especially the daughter He allowed you and Bernard to have,  was loved unconditionally as the word instructs us to do.  Rest well my sister Brianna, we are sure will continue her journey, and she will feel your spirit, as she walks across the stage, graduating...We will hold on to the memories always...

What can you say about a woman who was so amazingly lovable. I will miss my dear friend Brenda. We had plans for more fun times. Memories are all we have now. I am so grateful that they are fond ones! She left such a great legacy behind. Stay strong Briana and Bernard!  Edye West, San Diego, CA

So sad to hear about Brenda's passing.......we have so many good memories......I can't help smile when I think of Brenda.   Until we meet again.

Brenda was a very sweet person, I will always remember her smile, her kindness and her LOVE for her daughter, sweet dreams and rest in his arms I always enjoyed her and Brianna at our visits to MS Patricia at the Beauty Haven Days!!

Brenda, my sister in Christ, mother, wife and child of God, we have missed you and Bernard sitting in the row in front of Larry and I at church these past couple of years.  We love you and miss your AWESOME laugh encouraging words. 

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Bernard and Briana: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

For an awesome cousin.  I will always remember you and the love you had for family.  We had some great times together and I know you are now resting in the arms of God.  May your life forever be an example for those of us left behind.  Until we meet again.  Bernard and Bree keep the faith and trust God for He has promised in his Word to see you through every situation.  Love always Joyce Rieves Grayer

I was unhappy to hear about the loss of Brenda. My thoughts and prayers and with the family. I met them years ago through Ewyn and Regina Reeves prior to becoming a member a Mesa View Baptist church. She was a wonderful lady and I am proud to be one of her friends. I know its going to be hard for the Tatum family but we can always remember the good times we had with her while she was on this earth. May God be with the family during this time and my love to them as well. June Jenkins

Bernard & Briana, God's continued comfort to you & your family.   Been some years since I've seen you all.  Thanks for sharing the pictures.  We've recently enjoyed the same experience in NOLA.  See the same joy among you  three as I remember.  Keep those joyful times in your hearts and the smiles in your eyes as Brenda will always be with you even as she rest with The Lord.  God Bless, Prima & Vincent Pettus

Brenda even though we did not talk as often as we liked we knew that the love was always there.  I will miss your smile and your laughter.  We always had a great time when we talked or actually got together.  Give my love to the family that you have been reunited with.  Love until later cuz.

Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos, I love them! My parents found some amazing life long friends in the Tatums and held them dear. Brenda was in my life since I was around 8 or 9 years old. ( I am now 46)  Her and Bernard and later Briana were always with us
sharing all of our best family moments because that is what they are to us "Family" She was such a beautiful, kind, loving and funny woman. I will forever miss her famous mashed potatoes she used to lovingly make for us every Thanksgiving. I will forever miss her hearty laugh and awesome sense of humour, I will forever miss my aunt, my sister, my friend

I remember our time in high school.  Those were the days.  My prayers go out to the family.  Be strong and of good courage...

I so often think of how you would encourage me even through school.  Your infamous words were, "You keep your head on straight!"  I've never forgotten those words.  I did!  Thanks Brenda! 

My thoughts and prayers remain with Bernard and Bree, as well as Bonita and the rest of the family.  You were the "GO TO" person.  Life won't be the same without you!

Jan Taylor Ellis

Brenda we were only friends for a short time but what a special friend you were! I loved every visit with you, I was honored that you trusted me with your babies while you were out of town. I will cherish the friendship God gifted me with forever. Bernard and Briana, I love you both and I am here for you if you need anything please let me know!your loss is tremendous and I am praying for you both.

OBITUARY

Brenda Gayle Tatum

April 9, 1955 – June 27, 2015

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

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