Mother Willie Mae Tatum

Mother Willie Mae Tatum was born on June 1, 1932 in Saint Joseph, Louisiana, Tensas Parish. She peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the age of 93 years. She was the eldest, beloved daughter of Theodore and Lula Jackson. A devoted and faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her son, Dr. Delwin Tatum, Sr. Mother Tatum was a respected spiritual leader, devoted prayer warrior and a guiding light to many. She was deeply cherished by her church family and by all who had the privilege of knowing her, leaving a legacy of faith, love and compassion. She received her early education in the Tensas Parish Public School System and graduated from Tensas Rosenwald High School in 1952. After relocating to Saginaw, Michigan, she united in Holy Matrimony with Rev. Carroll L. Tatum in 1954. Together, they shared 60 loving years of marriage before Rev. Tatum passed in 2016. Mrs. Tatum pursued higher education at Saginaw Valley State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School in Buena Vista Township, then later joined the Saginaw Public School District teaching at Jones Elementary School. Mother Tatum devoted many years of service to Jones Elementary where she formed lasting bonds with students, staff and leadership. She remained there from August 27, 1984, until her retirement on June 7, 1996. She was involved in and made a difference in her community by serving as a counselor at the YMCA. Mother Tatum was actively involved in the Wolverine State Baptist Convention and the Saginaw Valley Baptist District Association serving faithfully as a Youth Director providing spiritual guidance and mentorship to generations of youth and families. In April 2024, she was formally recognized and honored for her dedicated service. Mother Tatum enjoyed the love and fellowship she shared with the Ministers Wives and Widows Ministry in the SVBD Association. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Dr. Delwin C. (Deshondus) Tatum, Sr.; Willa (Frank) Randle, Jr., Saginaw and Michelle Tatum, Kalamazoo, MI; her spiritual daughter, Rosa Woodhouse, Saginaw; her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren; Karenia, NaKey’Da and LaBrandon Randle, Delwin Tatum, Jr., Keyera, Kylise, Kinyeta, Keyona, Kandice and Kharlie Tatum, James and Michael Rhoden along with 15 precious great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her sisters, Clara Jackson, Antioch, TN, Carrie Jackson-Zackrie, Margaret (Curtiss) Ector, Maple Brown; her brother, Theodore (Mary) Jackson, all of Saginaw; she leaves behind many, many beloved godchildren whose lives she touched with love and guidance, along with a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends, including Shirley and J.T. Jones, James and Sharon Hulett and Ethel Drain. Mother Willie Mae Tatum was preceded in death by her loving husband, Pastor Carroll L. Tatum; parents, Theodore and Lula Jackson; one sister, Ruby Jackson; two brothers, Roosevelt Bright and Robert “Bo” Jackson; godchildren, Quince Zackrie and Karen Ector; her very special friend, Minister Willie M. Harvey. The family of Mrs. Willie Mae Tatum extends special thanks to Dr. Rama Mulpuri, the staff of Healthsource Patriot Unit, A&D Hospice Care Staff, The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church family, Evans & Browne’s Funeral Home, special caregivers, Patricia Tatum, Breanna Banks and Angeline Bond. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, 2615 Williamson Rd., Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Pastor Otis Washington, Host and Pastor Delwin C. Tatum, Sr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 295 Grant St., Saginaw, MI 48604 on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Mother Willie Mae Tatum

June 1, 1932 - January 12, 2026