MCC Honors Tanya Ocampo with Special Endowment

A mother from Lauderdale County who was allegedly killed by her son is now being remembered by Meridian Community College. Twin States News was at a ceremony today where the school announced a special endowment fund in the victim's honor.

Today family, friends, Meridian Community College (MCC) students, and faculty gathered to honor Tanya Ocampo with a memorial endowment.

Ocampo’s daughters were there to help celebrate their mother on her birthday.

“We’re just so thankful that MCC took the time out of their day for my mother on her birthday. We appreciate everyone who came to support us and just thank you all”, said Ocampo’s daughter Detra Ocampo Bester.

Tanya Ocampo's Daughters (left to right) Detra Ocampo Bester, Mariana Ocampo, Kylah Ocampo, Ashley Thurston

During the ceremony, everyone spoke highly of Tanya, many of them sharing how much she loved being a part of the Community.

“We felt for Tanya's memory, that we set up an endowment in her name and in her memory. She was very passionate about the program that she taught, Medical Office Technology”, said Lori Smith, Dean of Workforce Education. “She was passionate about her students, and she loved Meridian Community College.”

Morgan Parten, a past student of Tanya, said that Ocampo’s love went beyond MCC’S campus. Ocampo was a guest at Morgan’s wedding.

“If she was your friend, if she was your teacher, it didn't matter, she was going to come and support you in any way that she could”, said Morgan. “So, she came that special day, she smiled that smile and she congratulated me, and I love her for that.”

A long-time friend and co-worker of Tanya, Flora Sumrall, said you missed out if you didn't have the chance to meet Ocampo.

‘She was loving, she could walk in and be going through the toughest time of the day, and she’d yet look at someone and feel like they were having a hard day and her first thought would be do you need a hug. She would be giving out hugs freely”, said Sumrall.

The first fundraising event to support the endowment will be a memorial walk on April 2nd,2022.