Clara Tatum

Clara Johnson Tatum of Elizabethtown, born on July 2, 1913, died at the age of 99, Tuesday, July 3, 2012.



Clara Tatum was the matriarch of three generations, beloved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was a gathering place in every season. No visitor ever left her table hungry, no guest ever felt as warm a welcome in any other lodging.

She was the lodestone by which all of the family navigated. In our sorrow at her passing, we must carry her lessons with us. She lived a Christian life: she worked hard, wasted not, gave freely, and forgave. She had a twinkling eye and a warm smile, as well as a sharp tongue for anyone she caught loafing. She gave an example to all of us, and pray that we will be worthy of it. We thank God for his grace in sharing her with us.



The family will receive friends on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 2:00 until 2:45 pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Briar Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Elizabethtown.



Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Nash Tatum and her daughter, Pauline Britt.

Surviving are her two daughters, Jewel Fatico of Smithfield and Vera Roten of Raleigh; her six grandchildren, Lynn Britt, Randy Roten, Karen Britt, Tony Fatico, Gwen Binz and Dana Weaver; and her six great- grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Faye Herring of Springfield, VA and her brother, Dwight Johnson of New Smyrna, FL.



In lieu of flowers, a monetary gift may be given to the charity of your choice.