Betty Hoffman Tannenbaum, who led a life of kindness, calm and grace for more than 50 years in her beloved Lake City, passed away from complications of a massive stroke. She was two months from her 89th birthday.
"Mrs. T," as she was widely and affectionately known, was one of Columbia County's most
respected citizens and business leaders. She personified fashion, civic responsibility and had a deep love for her children, her family and her community.
Betty, the youngest of nine children of David and Devorah Hoffman, was born in Buffalo, New York, where she was a
Regent Scholar in chemistry and received the DAR award for Good Citizenship.
She determined early that she wanted a life in fashion, design and business. In 1947 she married Melvin Tannenbaum, who shared those interests. They moved first to Richmond, Virginia, and then Charleston, South Carolina, where Mel pursued a career in retailing. While living in Charleston they saw an ad in "Women's Wear Daily" about a store for sale in North Florida. Betty and Mel bought the Lovely Shop and moved to Lake City in 1950.
Over the years they successfully built a high-end women's clothing business, turning it into a vibrant downtown asset. The Tannenbaums were a vital part of Columbia County's growth, and, in addition to its reputation in fashion, the Lovely Shop was revered for its inclusiveness and concern for customers from all walks of life and economic means.
Mrs. T's respect for her customer was legendary; she always saw the best in people. She often said, "In a small town you become part of your customers' lives. You become friends. Their happiness is yours. Their heartache is yours."
Betty Tannenbaum had impeccable taste and felt that the women of Lake City deserved to have the same choices in fashion as women in big cities. To that end, she made frequent buying trips to New York City and, in 1963 with her husband, an extended buying trip to Europe, and she sponsored the first fashion shows in Columbia County at the Women's Club and Lake City Country Club.
Mrs. T brought major national name brands to Lake City. When she introduced Estee Lauder cosmetics to the Lovely Shop she delighted in the knowledge that hers was the smallest store in the nation to carry the line.
The 1960s were pivotal in her business and personal life.
The Tannenbaums remodeled the downtown Lovely Shop into a spacious modern department store for women. It was known for its pink brick exterior and innovative interior design -- its high ceilings and its sunken-floored octagon-shaped coat, dress, suit and wedding gown department. Meanwhile, the Plaza Lovely Shop opened as a branch in Lake City's first shopping center.
Then in 1966, her much-loved and admired husband, Mel, died suddenly at age 45. Betty Tannenbaum, then 43, began her next journey: keeping the two stores going and growing, while rearing and educating three children all on her own. At a time when few women held multiple roles as business-owner, breadwinner and mother, she did all that and flourished.
In July 1981 tragedy struck a second time. The Lovely Shop burned to the ground. Once again, Betty Tannenbaum faced adversity squarely and moved forward with determination. The Lovely Shop moved to its entire business to its second location in Southtown Square and eventually to Gleason Corner Mall.
After hearing repeatedly from customers and friends that the Lovely Shop belonged back downtown, Mrs. T decided to
return the store to Marion Street, not far from its original location, where it remained for the next decade.
In 2002, after 63 years in business, the Lovely Shop closed. Betty Tannenbaum was 78. She had owned the business for 52 years. It was the end of an era.
Over the years Betty was a member of the Garden Club, Business and Professional Women, the Women's Club, the Lake City Country Club, Congregation Ahaveth Chesed in Jacksonville, and she was a key contributor to the early growth of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce. In honor of her steady vision for Lake City, February 4, 2002, was named "Betty Tannenbaum Day."
Betty is survived by son, Douglas Tannenbaum, and wife, Donita, of Lake City; daughters, Susan Tannenbaum and
husband, Wick Rowland, of Boulder, Colorado, and Barbara Tannenbaum and husband, Henry David Epstein of Chevy Chase, Maryland. She is survived too by her beloved grandchildren, David Hoffman Tannenbaum and his wife, Mary, and Deborah Alford Tannenbaum and Lola Melaine Tannenbaum Epstein, as well as great grandchildren, Aliyah, Zachary and Alexander Tannenbaum. Other survivors include her brother, Paul, and wife, Deana Hoffman in Evanston, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
In keeping with her wishes, Betty Tannenbaum's internment in Lake City will be attended by her family Wednesday morning, August 22.
A reception to honor her legacy of warmth, kindness and leadership will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Women's Club of Lake City. Doug, Susan and Barbara invite all to attend. They are asking friends and customers to write recollections of their mother, her Lovely Shop and Lake City for a memory book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by anonymous.
Mrs T called me her porter, I started working for her cleaning the Downtown store for her in about 1976 or 77. She and Doug taught me alot. I remember she would send me to the Desoto Drug store for Vantage smokes and vanilla cokes. She never complained that it would take me forever because I would stop in Marys music, Howards TV and stereo, etc. while picking up her stuff. I loved working downtown at The Lovely Shop.
Chris Brantley
July 30, 2016
The Tannenbaum Family were the luckiest having Mrs. T as their mom. What a strong, resilient, wonderful lady who kept her family together with lots of love and fun! Her hugs were the big kind, I remember. Another great lady who leaves a great legacy through her children and grandchildren. Rest in peace Mrs. T and I'm so sorry for you loss, Baba. Love you, Gina
Gina Sammis
August 27, 2012
Barbara, Doug & Donita, Susan, David - was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. T - what a great Lake City icon - everyone knew about The Lovely Shop and she helped so many young ladies know about fashion. Thanks her memories will be remember forever. My prayers go out to your family.
John Collinsq
August 26, 2012
To Dougie, Susan and Barbara, Mrs. T. was like a secong mother to me and I will always remeber coming over and playing in the play room at your house. Mrs. T is the reason I went into fashion and I will always love and respect her because even though we were a black family she never treated us any different than she treated anyone else. She was a wonderful woman and I am sure she is in heaven with my Mother Dorothy and my Father Hanson. Rest well Mrs. T and I Love you..
Rhonda Wright
August 24, 2012
To the Tannenbaum family. I have fond memories growing up in Lake City and going to the Lovely Shop with My Mother Dorothy and and My Sisters. Even though I was the only Boy! I had no choice. My Mother and Sisters would even go to the Tannenbaum's home for visit's we were allways welcomed. I have only fond memories of Ms. T. And because I am allways admired as a Dapper Dresser! I must contribute that to Ms. T. and My Mom for dragging a Boy around a Women's Dress Shop LOL! Rest Well Ms. T. And Please don't change the Dress Code in Heaven!
Bishop Russell A. Wright, Sr.
August 24, 2012
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. T was a wonderful lady and left a wonderful legacy.
August 23, 2012
I loved going to the Lovely Shop as a teenager. Ms. Betty made everyone feel like they were someone special. My prayers go up for the family. God bless.
Judy Fair
August 23, 2012
Doug and family, I was saddened to hear of your mother's passing. I remember fondly of going to The Lovely Shop to spend my hard-earned babysitting money on those "in" clothes.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Merkel Libby
August 23, 2012
Mrs. T you will be missed.
gary harden
August 22, 2012
What a lady!!!! She was an important part of the Arnold family and always had a smile and hug for us all. Her legacy and memories will live forever. Love to all of you, Charlotte (Arnold, Adams) Swink
August 21, 2012
To the Tannenbaum Family
Ms. T was a wonderful, gracious and kind person. As a young girl, I remember going to the Lovely Shop an learning how to recognize and know "quality" clothing. I developed my finer taste in life of clothing and dressing from the Lovely Shop and Ms. T would always give you pointers/advise. As an adult, I was home visiting and it was a pleasure to see and talk with her again at a store downtown, we talked and traveled down memory lane about the Lovely Shop and what a great impression it left with me.
I was very saddened when I viewed the obituary and saw Ms. T.
Ms. T will always be a "great icon" for Lake City. Ms. T will be greatly missed.
May God continue to bless the family during your hours of sorrow.
Faye Hall
August 21, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The Lovely Shop was truly the place to shop. I can remember buying my first two piece bathing suit from the Lovely Shop and Mrs. T was my critic. Love to all of you.
August 21, 2012
Another loss in Lakewood Subdivision. As a child I remember our neighborhood being so close and little by little it is loosing its original families. Mrs. T gave me my first charge account. She was so good to everyone and she will be missed but left us with wonderful memories.
Neighbor and friend,
Sissy (Harden) and Harold Wilder
August 21, 2012
I loved Mrs. Betty as if she was my grandma. I've known her 4 an very long time. God Bless & take care.
Donna McIntyre
August 21, 2012
Ms. T and the Lovely Shop was a clothing icon in Lake City, bringing fashion and glamour to rural America. An attribute of genuine kindness and compassion Ms. T had for her friends and customers is something we'll never forget. A champagne toast to the holiday season and great friendship, what a memory! We love you!
Jimmy Bielling
August 20, 2012
Barbara, Susan, Doug and family...When I came to visit my Dad I learned of your mom's passing. She always welcomed her into her home. She was lovely! Jennie Tramel Pistole
August 20, 2012
Dear Doug and Donita
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. We have many wonderful memories of "Mrs T." and are so sorry for your loss.
Bryan & Debra Johnson
August 20, 2012
Dear Doug and Family.
I was sorry to hear of your mothers passing and know she will be missed, she was one special lady and a privilage to know.
My Sympathies go out to each of you.
Jeri White
August 19, 2012
I am very sorry to hear of your mother passing Doug. She was always a very nice lady who had a kind word for all those she came in contact with. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Wayne Hall
August 19, 2012
What a beautiful memorial. I finished reading it through misty eyes and then took a while to relish the memories of all the times her love and gentle happiness enriched my life.
Jimmie Pitman
August 18, 2012
Deepest sympathy for your lose; Mrs. Tannenbaum was a sweet lady she will be missed.
Love, Cachi and Ana Morera
August 18, 2012
Mrs. T was a kind lady. She gave me my first job wrapping gifts at Christmas. My thoughts and prayers go to the family.
August 18, 2012
We offer our condolences. Thanks for the memories. Love,
Van, Glenda, Keith & Kent
August 18, 2012
my condolance to the family of mrs tannenbaum.she would take a day of shopping and turn it into and event.my mother just loved her.
danny crosier
August 18, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was a wonderful woman and a friend to all. I remember in the 1960's how on a Saturday morning she would have a local band called The Dark Horseman come in to her store and play, all the girls would gather for this. She always had the biggest smile on her face. She was very special to Lake City and everyone in it.
Brenda Mason-Parrish
August 18, 2012
This light is to represent the radiant smile received by all who walked through the doors of THE Lovely Shop
Karen Kinard Edwards
August 17, 2012
Ms. "T" was a very, very nice Lady. I know a lot men did not shop at the Lovely Shop, but I found that Ms. "T" would go out of her way to help me when I shopped for girl-friends, Mother, and wife. I truly will always remember Mrs. Tannenbaum. All of you my prayers.
Ronnie Ash
August 17, 2012
Doug,I am sorry to hear of your mom's passing.You and I got reaquainted when my brother passed.Thankyou for being there, Leo Tyre Jr,You really made him happy with the Masons Brotherhood. You and I were in the same class at C.H.S.
Sincerely Sandra Tyre Hansford
Sandra Tyre-Hansford
August 17, 2012
Mrs. T was "one of a kind". I will always remember her love of family and the warm welcome she gave everyone who entered the Lovely Shop.
Peace and love to the entire family.
Luann Turner
August 17, 2012
Mrs. T will always be remembered as a kind, caring lady. She always took the time to make me feel special. She will be missed.
Fawn (Crawford) Elrod
August 17, 2012
We will always remember our other "Lakewood Subdivision Mom" So many wonderful memories! So sorry for your loss. Much love to all! Dal and Barbara McDuffie
Barbara & Dal McDuffie
August 17, 2012
Will never forget Ms. T. So many wonderful memories from my childhood. My first job ever(helping with inventory, wrapping Christmas presents in the original store downtown). It was always a wonderful experience to go to the Lovely Shop with my mom. We were always treated like family and Ms. T always had an encouraging and complimenting word for me. Wonderful wonderful memories. Lake City has lost a true pillar of the community.
Kelli Messer Strawder
August 17, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to Mr Doug, Mrs Donita, David,Deborah & the whole Tannenbaum family. Rest in peace Mrs T, we all love you & will miss you dearly. You all are in my prayers. With love, Joanna Tyre Hough ( daughter of the late Leo Tyre j.r. )
Joanna Tyre
August 17, 2012
She and the Lovely Shop were a fixture in Lake City. Although I have been for many years she brings back great memories. Sorry for your loss.
Nancy Erwin Phillips
August 17, 2012
To the family of Betty Hoffman Tannenbaum:
It is with great sadness I noted the passing of Mrs. T. and I would like to extend my condolences to each of you.
My memories are vivid of the store in downtown Lake City and indeed it was a landmark for many years. Her vision for our small community was felt and appreciated for many years.
I'm confident she would not want her loved ones to dwell on her passing, but would instead be very proud to remember her passion in what she accomplished. She was a mentor to many and dearly loved her family.
I wish for each of you swift healing in her passing and that you will remember her spirit and love and to honor her memory.
Blessings to each of you,
Dell Anne Hines Afzal
August 17, 2012
So sorry for your loss. I loved ms. Betty. So many fond memories of mama taking me to the Lovely Shop....my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lucy Dekle Daniels
August 17, 2012
She left such a beautiful legacy for all of you; a progressive lady! My condolences to all of you. Marty Davis Vignes
August 17, 2012
So sorry for the loss of a great woman. She was so trusting to her customers (only person I knew who would allow you to take clothes home, try then on and return if you didn't like. She taught me to wrap the perfect Christmas present at her store back in the 60's. The Lovely Shop was the place to be and shop in the 60's also. My sympathies to all of her family. I will keep you in my prayers as you walk this path together. I hope that you can find peace soon and have only good memories of Mrs. T.
Linda Redden
August 17, 2012
Mrs.Tannenbaum was a great woman. It was a pleasure to meet her. She always had something great to share. She will be missed.
Giselle Marques
August 17, 2012
Offering my heartfelt condolence to the Tannenbaum family. RIP Mrs. Tannenbaum
Bobby Charles
August 17, 2012
Offering heartfelt condolences and prayers for you all at this sorrowful time ...
Tom Roof
August 17, 2012
My sincere condolences go out to the Tannenbaum family. I thought the world of Mrs. T. Whenever we were in Lake City, my Mom (Frances Crawford) was sure to take us to The Lovely Shop. Mrs. T. always had a smile on her face; she lit up the room. She was an awesome lady, and she will be missed. She will always be in my memories, and those memories will always bring a smile to my face and heart.
Lean on our Heavenly Father, your family, your friends, and all of those beautiful, blessed, and wonderful memories that you have with her; all of these will help you through this difficult time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You!
Cathy Crawford-Naracon
August 17, 2012
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