Deacon Thomas Lee Tatum departed this earthly life on Wednesday November 4, 2020 at Grant Medical Center. He was born in Notasulga, Alabama on April 14, 1932 to the late Harvie Tatum and Leader Moss.
Deacon Tatum was affectionately known as “Papa” by just about everyone who knew and loved him. After leaving Alabama in his early years, Papa spent time living in Florida and Washington D.C. before settling in Columbus, Ohio in the 1960’s. He married Josephine Jackson on June 14, 1974 and was with her until her passing in 2012. They shared no children together, but he had one biological daughter, Mollie Lee, from a previous relationship with Annie Lee Perkins. Papa retired from the City of Columbus Sanitation Department. He served as a Deacon at Loving Charity Baptist Church under the late Rev. John White, and was most recently a Deacon at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Michael D. Reeves, Sr. until his failing health no longer allowed him to.
Papa loved his family and enjoyed getting together with them. He truly loved to socialize and never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed!
Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Josephine Tatum; brother, Andrew Tatum; sister, Willie Mae Tatum; stepson, Robert Jackson; and step-granddaughter, Belynda Gail Thomas.
Left to cherish his loving memory are his daughter, Mollie (Willie) Brown; stepdaughters, Marion (James, Sr.) Brown, Arthenia “Tina” Turner; sister-in-law, Helen Witt; Grandchildren, LaJuan Thomas, Keith Harris, David Burke (Lisette), Donn Turner, Tanitia Brown, James, Jr. (Alisha) Brown, Artina (Eric) Brooks, Timothy Brown, Sr., Tony Hickey, Jr., Yolanda Brown, LaKenisha Adams and Willie Brown, Jr.; Great-grandchildren, Keith, Jr., Keiran, Keely, Kiley, Keith, Davina, David III, Rayna, Daveon, James III (L.J.), Jayonna, Davia, Gabriella, DeVonte’, Shajuan, Nijah, Timothy, Jr., Brayden, Maxwell, Mondo, Xavier, Janel, Michael M., Tayjona, Shamel, Michael A., Breanna, Brooklyn, D’Mari, Joshua, Kinnadi, Zimari, and Zoey; Special friend and caregiver, Danielle Daniels; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends spanning from Alabama, Columbus, Cleveland, and Detroit.
PRIVATE Visitation 10:00 AM and Memorial Service 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.
A MASK IS MANDATORY.
Thomas was a very quiet person but always was very nice to me. He was not able to attend church in the last few years but before he would comr. We will miss him.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family. In just a little while all of the pain and sorrow that we feel from the death of our love one will cease and be replaced with joy, because the former things have passed away. With caring thoughts.
Mr. Thomas moved in my building a few years ago. Since he has been a resident he became a friend to many and family to me. Love Mr Thomas, I will miss his morning texts. He would tell me wake up and get to work. Mr Thomas always checked on me when I was sick or in the hospital. Death is never easy for the ones you leave behind. This one is a hard pill to swallow. I know he has moved on to our maker and will be fine no pain for him any longer. I would like to thank Mr T’s (aka pappas) family for bringing him to us and I love you all .
My husband and I will miss seeing our church dad. We often talked about our home town, Alabama. He was a very kind hearted man. Our sincere condolences and love to his family. May God shower your hearts with peace.
The Tolliver’s
Papa you meant the world to me. Family isn’t always defined by blood. And I considered you family..I remembered our last conversation you said I love you Ms.B…. you are definitely missed.. prayers to your family..
I’m going to miss my cousin, we had just reconnected by phone thanks to his niece, until we meet again Rest In Peace cousin Bubbles, May the Prince of Peace give the family all of his Grace.
Mr. Tatum was my neighbor for many years, missed when he moved out of the neighborhood. He always kept a eye out for me and my house. Will miss him, he was a very kind man. Special prayers going out to his family.
We, the community of True Healing Fellowships, extend our prayers and condolences to the family of Thomas Tatum. We know you are in pain, but know that God gives us permission to grieve. We mourn with you and we are here for you. God’s peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Rev. Clarressa Thompson, Overseer
Min. Jeremy Beckhon, Servant
I really appreciated meeting and talking with you, sharing your joy and laughter, and listening to your stories. I wish we had the opportunity to go fishing and catch some bass and trout. But, one day we will. I enjoyed your insight and guidance. Thank you for the conversations we shared.
Love and Blessings to PaPa and the family. You were a good friend who shared stories of his life with pride. You laughed at Your own jokes even if no one else did.
May You be welcomed in paradise by God and those that loved You. You are missed.
Praying for PaPa and the family. You were a good friend who shared stories of his life with pride. You laughed at Your own jokes even if no one else did. I hope You are welcomed into paradise by God and those who love You.
Prayers for Blessings
My condolence to family Deacon Tatum will be truly missed. My husband were friends until he passed in 2014. May God give you strength for your loss gone but not forgotten may he rest in peace .
Susan Banks