Jean passed peacefully from this life on the morning of September 24 after a gradual decline in health. She was surrounded by her caregiver, her daughter, Bergina, and supported by her loving son, James, daughter, Evelyn, family, friends, and her church family during the last days of her life.

Jean E. Tatum was born in Camden, AR, the second child to Fayrene Pace and William "Pete" Butts Sr. on February 3, 1947. Jean's maternal mother passed when she was two years old. The passing of her mother did not stop her from being a well-loved child because she was raised by Lucinda, whom she called Mama, and her husband, Stewart, whom she called Daddy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandmother, Lucinda Brown, Stewart Brown, her husband Richard "Billy" Tatum, and brothers Jesse Ford, Jr., and William "Pete Jr" Butts.

Jean was a lifelong resident of Camden, AR, and a graduate of Lincoln High School. She worked for many years at different jobs. The one job Jean was well-known for was working at Walmart Camden. She worked for thirty years as a cashier and Customer Service Manager (CSM) before retiring.

On March 23, 1968, she married Richard "Billy" Tatum. Jean and Richard were married for 48 years until his death.

Jean was strong in her faith in Christ at an early age, and she became a member of the Greater Saint Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Israel R. Dunn, Sr., later in life, Pastor George E. Smith, and from the time she was sick, and until her death, Pastor Jeffrey C. Franklin. Jean was an active member of the church. She was a Sunday School teacher. She also served in several circles and on various committees until her husband's health failed him.

Jean loved spending time with her family and friends and talking on the telephone. Jean's infectious smile would make you smile even if you did not feel like smiling. There were countless people, both near and far, that knew her. She was a person that left an everlasting impression on you once she met you.

One of her favorite pastimes was spending time worshipping the Lord through various church activities, or you could find her relaxing at home watching TV or listening to music.

Jean's memory will live on in her children: Evelyn Lawrence, Grand Prairie, TX; James Alford, Camden, AR; Bergina Sumler, Camden, AR; Billy S. Tatum, Saint Louis, MO; Richard A. Tatum, San Antonio, TX; David J. Tatum, Arlington, TX; and a bonus daughter, Phyllis Moore, Conway, AR.

Jean loved so many and held so many unique relationships that included her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, bonus relatives, community, and friends.