Tanya Austin Byley-Tatum

Tanya Austin Byley Tatum, 52, of Garrison passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 in Garrison. She was born on January 6, 1968 in Nacogdoches. Private graveside services will be held. Tanya will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Tanya was loving and kind. She enjoyed the outdoors and often found herself spending time with her husband, Greg and their dogs and cats, as they explored through the forest and lakes. Her passion for animals did not stop with just dolphins, lions, and tigers. She had a great love of all things mythical as well, including unicorns and dragons. She was more likely to be outside than inside but found great joy in fishing. She was always ready to go….anytime and anywhere. Tanya truly enjoyed old and new country music and classic rock. Her love of music also led to her love of dancing. She and Greg met through a mutual friend, went on a date, and have spent every day together for the past almost 30 years. Tanya loved Greg completely. He was her husband, her provider and her best friend. The two shared such a special bond and stood by each other and made endless, wonderful memories through everything they were faced with. Tanya loved people. She loved children. She touched the heart of every person she met and found great joy in bringing happiness to others. Her nieces and nephew, her brother and sister and of course, Greg, were of utmost importance to her because she knew family was so important. Through the years, her family and friends closest to her, knew she was always there for her to lend an ear for listening, a hand for helping, or a simple smile to say she loved them and she was always available to turn any gathering into something comical and memorable.

Tanya is survived by her husband, Greg Tatum of Garrison; sister, Teresa Austin Deloney of Onalaska and brother, Donnie Austin, Jr. and wife, Leeann Simpson Austin of Central Heights; nieces, Cassie Were of Garrison and Gabby Austin of Central Heights; nephew, Jake Austin of Central Heights and one great nephew, Noah Carter of Garrison.

She is preceded in death by her mom, Donna E. Kimbrough Phillips and dad, Donnie R. Austin, Sr.; and her step-father, Walter L. Phillips.

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