Acie Kelly Tatum

Born on October 11, 2005, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Acie was the cherished daughter of the late Michael E. Tatum and Michele Kelly (fiancé Todd Phillips) of Cary, North Carolina.

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; brothers, Christopher Tatum, Brad Tatum, Matt Tatum and Ryan Tatum (Bonnie); step-sisters, Jessica Phillips (Matt Frongello) and Juliana Phillips; maternal grandparents, Jill Kelly, Michael and LeDonne Kelly; great-grandmother, Rose Kelly; step grandparent, Frederick Bosch; aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces (who considered her their hero); best friend Jordan Ferrell and teammates; and by her furry friends, Romeo, Tango and Pretty Kitty.

She is preceded in death by her father, Michael Tatum; paternal grandparents, Eugene Tatum and Ann Carter; step-grandparent, Barbara Bosch.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Apex Funeral Home, with Funeral Services to be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel. A hyperlink to the video of the service may be found below - under "Donations".

The family will also hold a Celebration of Life Service Sunday afternoon from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Angus Barn Pavilion.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorial contributions may be made to the Breakthrough T1D at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association - JDRA) or to the SPCA of Wake County at https://donate.spcawake.org

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Acie or a message of condolence to her family, you may do so below within "Add a Memory".