Edna Orena Davis Tatum

Edna Orena (Davis) Tatum was born on January 6, 1926 from the union of Willie D. Davis and Mary Britton in Rose Hill, Mississippi. Being that Edna was the eleventh child out of twelve, you can understand that family was an important part of her life. Edna always acknowledged each of her siblings that proceeded her in death which included Richard, Bessie Mae, Delia Rebecca (Davis) Sims, Claudie, George Albert, Martha (Davis) Jones, Clinton, Harvey, Rufth, and Mary Orena (Davis) Lang-Sutton.

Spiritual journey began at an early age at Mt. Olive United Methodist Church located in Rose Hill, Mississippi. This is when she dedicated her life to Christ.

Edna’s early education was completed in Rose Hill, Mississippi. She continued to further her education by attending Tennessee State University. To pay for her education, Edna worked a multitude of jobs. The main one included her passion of fashion by becoming a hair stylist for the deceased. Once she completed college she developed a vast knowledge for many activities and hobbies. Edna was passionate about was sewing (specifically prom dresses) without the use of a pattern. On May 27, 1947 Edna married the love of her life Walter Joseph Tatum. They moved to Chicago, Illinois to begin their life together for the next forty-five years. From this union they had three children Maxine, Fonda and Wade.

Edna and Walter both began a spiritual journey by joining The Methodist Church of Redeemer and New Gresham United Methodist Church.

Edna was social butterfly which lead her to creating lots of wonderful friendships. She began employment at Moscow’s as a store clerk. She was also a caregiver, as well as babysitter. Edna joined the Eastern Stars Electa Chapter #4 O.E.S. of A.R. Edna loved to travel. Her favorite place to go was the casino! She also loved to cook her famous sweet potato pies.

Edna was preceded in death by both her husband Walter and son Wade. Edna leaves behind many to cherish her memories including her two daughters Maxine and Fonda, grandchildren, Jamal, Andre’ and Jetta Walker, La’Ton’a Tatum. Two great grandchildren, Daiquon Walker and Le’ah Tatum. Godchildren, Shawn Hawk and Shirrel Jackson. Also grandnephew Eric Lang; two aunts, Lucille Britton-Wade and Grace Britton-Sweets.

As well as a host of nephews, nieces, and friends. Special acknowledgements go to the following nephews: William Benton Davis, William Albert Davis and William Cleveland Sims, as well as nieces: Addie Marie (Davis) Baskin, Mary Anne (Lang) Parker, and Edna Lee(Davis) Montgomery.

The family would also like to recognize Little Company of Mary Hospice Staff members for the two- years and four months of exceptional care. They have shown the deepest admiration and respect in caring for our beloved terminally ill family member at home.