Betty Jean (Higginbotham) Tatum, 73, of Columbus, Ohio went to be with the Lord on Friday evening, November 8, 2024. She was born on July 4, 1951 to Shirley Ann (Higginbotham) Speakes and Percy Davis. She graduated from Springfield South High School in 1969.
She was employed by a number of companies, including OIC, Central State University, ENTEK IRD, Summertyme Mortgage, and Cherokee Information Services, from which she retired in 2013. Betty gave her life to Jesus at the age of 21 and faithfully served the Lord for over 50 years. She attended the Church of God located at 709 E. Grand Ave. in Springfield, OH. She was a Sunday School teacher, a choir director, a trustee board member, head of the church book library, and a Friday night Bible study teacher. Betty also enjoyed using her voice for the Lord, singing solos and in several small groups. In 2006, she married the love of her life, La Marr Tatum. They were married for 18 years.
Betty leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, La Marr Tatum; aunts, Juanita Robinson and Donna Higginbotham Perkins; uncle, Walter Higginbotham; adopted sister, Lisa Speakes; sister-in-law, Cynthia Page; nieces and nephews, Rafael Page, Jr., Cynithia Page, Christina Craig, Javon Page, and Keeshaun Page; special friends, Coretta Sisson, Marsena Covington, and Bettie Burke; and a host of family and friends who Betty dearly loved.
She was preceded in death by her special grandmother, Mary Higginbotham; parents, Shirley Speakes and Percy Davis; two aunts and mentors, Patricia Kenerly and Delores Walker; uncles, Carl V. Kenerly, Sr., William J. Robinson, Jr., and Leroy, Sr., Richard, Robert “Tommy Tucker”, and Donald “Bunky” Higginbotham; cousin, William J. Robinson, III; and her nephew, Timothy Craig.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 and Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Church of God, 709 East Grand Ave, Springfield, Ohio 45505. Interment: Ferncliff Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.
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