Doris Tatum

TATUM, Doris DORIS TATUM Lillie Doris Tatum, 92, died Saturday, September 26, 2009 at her home in Decatur, Georgia. Doris, an Atlanta native, was the youngest of six children born to Mary Belle and Rufus Silas Tatum. She spent her childhood in the Candler Park Community and attended Mary Lin Elementary School. She graduated from Atlanta Girls' High School. While in high school, she and a group of friends formed a club which would last a lifetime. They met monthly at members' homes until advancing age began to make it difficult for them to do so. They continued to maintain those close relationships even though they could not see each other often. Doris lived most of her adult years in the Lake Claire neighborhood and in the City of Decatur. Shortly after graduating from high school, Doris began a career with Aetna Insurance Company where she served for 44 years in the capacity of underwriter. As a babe in arms, she accompanied her family to church at Epworth United Methodist Church. By the age of eight she had become a member. Epworth would remain the touchstone for her life; especially did she love her "Workers Class." Her faith was deep and true, and it molded the person she became. The only love stronger than that for her church was the love she had for family. There was nothing more important to her. She instilled in us the meaning of staying close and supporting one another. After retiring from Aetna, Doris took advantage of every opportunity to travel with friends and with her beloved sister, Lucille. She made many wonderful trips, returning with abundant slides she happily shared with all who would take part in the travelogues. Our "Auntie Doris" was a competitive lady who took every game from bridge to bingo seriously, played to win and, more often than not, did. In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her sisters: Rubye Brown (Bert), Lucille Tatum; brothers: Lane Tatum (Annis), Loy Tatum (Polly), Leon Tatum (Kathleen); two nieces, Dorothy Brown Herkimer and Judy Tatum Tiegreen; a great nephew, Herbert L. Brown III (Trey) and great, great nephew, H. L. Brown IV. Doris is survived by devoted nieces and nephews, Eloise Swanson (John), Bert Brown (Edwina), Mimi Nash (Garnett), Kay Wilson (Robert), Barbara Hazlewood (Jim), Jane Bangert (Doug), Patsy Rhodes (Bill), Bob Tatum (Karen) and John Tatum. In addition there are 19 cherished great nieces and nephews and many beloved great, great nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express love and appreciation to our wonderful caregivers, Fannie Brewer, Margaret Browner and Georgia Franklin, who made the final months of Doris' time on earth comfortable with their undying love and attention. Also our appreciation to Embracing Hospice who made it possible for Doris' greatest wish to be realized - to remain in her home until the end. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 29 at 1:00 PM, Service, 2:00 PM in the chapel, the Reverend Lisa Dempsey and the Reverend Guy Kent officiating. A.S. Turner and Sons, 2773 North Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA . Interment Decatur Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 1561 McLendon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307. A. S. Turner & Sons