She graduated from Vinton High School in 1947 serving as Secretary of Mu Sigma, Honors Editor of the Souvenir, Feature Edition of Lion's Roar, Announcer of Senior Play, Member of Girl's Glee Club, Duchess in Harvest Carnival, Member of Pep Squad, Member of Le Casba, Stencil Cutter of Lion's Roar.
Helen went on to attend Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Houston, TX where she graduated with her R.N. degree in 1950. While working as a Registered Nurse, she met and married the love of her life, Robert Dale Tatum on August 31, 1951. In 1953 they decided to start a family and went on to have three children, Susan, Paul and Molly. Robert went into the Navy as a Chaplain and Helen as a God loving wife followed Robert in all of his sets of orders all over the world. Helen is following her last set of orders to join Robert.
Helen was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Vinton where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for many years.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Susan Tatum Monzingo (Michael) of Lubbock, TX, Paul Tatum (Debbie) of Dayton, TX, Molly Tatum (Louis Malvo) of Houston, TX; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Robert Dale Tatum; her parents, Ovey & Audrey Burge Chesson; and her sister, Melba Chesson Landry.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Friday, May 13, 2022 and will resume on Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 8-10 am at Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. Her funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022 in the funeral home with Pastor Bobby Daniel officiating. Burial will follow in Big Woods Cemetery in Edgerly under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton.
Memorial donations in Helen's memory may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1401 Center St., Vinton, LA 70668.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonvinton.com for the Tatum family.
