Carol Smith Tatum

Carol Smith Tatum (nee Carol Theresa Smith), age 81, a long-time resident of Merced, CA, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022, after a long battle with cancer, at her home in Merced surrounded by her loving daughters.

Carol, “Terry” to her loved ones, was a native of Chicago, IL., born on January 20, 1941. Her love of all people made Carol an early advocate of human rights and equality, leading her to march with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Chicago Freedom Movement of 1966. Carol’s care for the greater community inspired her work of over 20 years for the County of Merced; she retired as Director of Merced County PITD. She was elected chair of NACo and the Private Industry Training Council and received many awards at the local, state, and national levels for her work in workforce development. Carol was involved in numerous charities including feeding the homeless at the local shelters, making several trips abroad with Monsignor McCormick’s Jamaica Missionary project, and donating regularly to Merced County Rescue Mission, Sisters of Charity, as well as sponsoring a woman in Peru through the Catholic charity Unbound. She was a member of AAUW, the Merced Chapter of Red Hats “Gone with the Whim,” and was affectionately called “Mama Yaya” by a special group of beloved friends referring to themselves as the “Yayas.”

Carol is preceded in death by both parents, a beloved brother, as well as her first and second husbands.

Carol is survived by her children Tracy Herriott, Carol Gonzales, Edward MacLennan, and Kelly Staiger, stepson Craig Tatum, 2 sisters, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Memorial Services will be held on Nov. 12, 2022 at 2 pm in the Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home Chapel. Reception immediately to follow at the onsite reception hall. As this will be a celebration of her vibrant, auspicious life, her wish for attendees is that you do not wear black but embrace her love of color.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Sidhu, for his wonderful care, and the members of Hinds Hospice whose care and compassion helped comfort Carol in her last days.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Tatum family.