Mary E. Tatum

Mary Eugenia Tatum, age 88 of Blountville, passed into eternal rest on Thursday, (November 19, 2015). Mary was born to the late Crockett and Uva Pearl Mutter on January 13, 1927 in Steelsburg, Virginia. Mary married James Robert Tatum, and after 45 years of marriage he preceded her in death in 1991. Mary enjoyed farming, working as a Registered Nurse, and was a member of the FCE for over 25 years. Mary was a member of the Wheeler United Methodist Church for many years. She will be remembered for her devotion and love to God, her family, friends, and her church. In addition to her loving husband of 45 years, James Robert Tatum, and parents, Crockett and Uva Pearl Mutter, Mary is preceded in death by her brother, Ben Mutter; sister, Ruth Shufflebarger; brother-in-law, Bruce Shufflebarger; and son-in-law, Harold Linkous. Mary is survived by her son, Jim Bob Tatum and fiancée, Angela McMurray; daughters, Phyllis Linkous and Ruby Perkins & husband Claude; four grandchildren, Jason Linkous & wife Stephanie, Aaron Linkous & wife Mandy, Carrie Davister, and Matthew Perkins & wife Serena; seven great-grandchildren, Madison Linkous, Dakota Pierson, Brooklyn Linkous, Jaxson Linkous, Sarah Perkins, Micah Davister, and Katelyn Davister; sister, Orpha Reid & husband Jim; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Kingsport, Tennessee. Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. immediately following visitation in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Brown officiating. Graveside service will be on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Garden of Devotion of East Lawn Memorial Park. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Wheeler United Methodist Church (c/o Meals of Goodwill, 211 Sanders St., Blountville, TN 37617). The family is very grateful for the loyal support of all of Mary’s caretakers during her illness (Holly Davis, Sheila Greer, and Virginia Young). A special thank you to Legacy Home Care, Dr. Hudson at Holston Valley Medical Center, Dr. Jim Boden, and Freienius Medical (Kingsport Dialysis). Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the family.