Deacon Thomas Lee Tatum

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.