Laverne Hunter Tatum

Laverne Tatum was born July 7, 1957, in Dallas, Texas to the late Ella V. King. Raised in Ten Mile, Texas, Laverne attended school in Ferris ISD, graduating in 1975. Upon graduating from Ferris High School, she attended Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, and Chester Clinic in Dallas, TX for nursing school. Laverne met Roger Dale Tatum, the love of her life in 1977. Roger and Laverne enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing with grandchildren, and watching their favorite team, The Dallas Cowboys. They created two beautiful daughters and six grandchildren during their 45 years of marriage until Laverne was called home. Laverne was last employed at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital as a licensed vocational nurse until she retired.

 Colleagues have described her as “a hardworking, amazing, and perfectionist nurse.” She was a faithful member of Temple of Truth C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Pastor John Sargent where she served as a deaconate, usher, and church treasurer.

 Laverne was a woman who held many titles. She was your doctor, nurse, therapist, advocate, bonus mom/aunt, cook, and chauffeur to the community, especially the youth. She was heavily involved in her community and schools, as she served various roles at Ferris Independent School District, including nurse aide, Booster Club Organizer, and loyal Yellow Jacket supporter.

 Born to parents, Ella V. King (deceased) and Preston Spencer (deceased), Laverne was the 3rd of six siblings: Ruby Hunter (who preceded her in death), Debra Anderson (Ikey), Alexandria, LA; Evelyn Hunter, Lancaster, TX; Vicki Clifton (Edward), Lancaster, TX, and Dwight King, Dallas, TX.

 Those left to cherish her memories: husband, Roger Dale Tatum, Ferris, TX; two daughters, Tamara Latrice Tatum, Ferris, Texas, and Dalencia Michelle Washington (Derrius), Crowley, Texas; forever son, Quinton Humphrey, Atlanta, GA; beloved grandchildren: Jemyrion Tatum, Ajiah Tatum, Mikyra Arterberry, Braden Arterberry, Dalei Washington, and Denim Washington; siblings, Debra Anderson (Ikey), Evelyn Hunter, Vicki Clifton (Edward), and Dwight King; father-in-law, Roger Tatum, Fairfield, TX; brothers-in-law: Earl Tatum (Kathy) Arlington, TX, Travis Tatum (Katie), Cedar Hill, TX, Luther Tatum (Tangie), Fort Worth, TX, Kenneth Tatum, Fairfield, TX, Marcus Tatum (Leslie), Keller, TX, Kirt Tatum, Fairfield, TX, Keith Tatum, Fairfield, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends to remember her contagious smile, servant’s heart, and giving nature .