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Jeanne Tatum Obituary
Resident of East Palo Alto
Jeanne Tatum, 66, passed away Sunday, September 19th from cancer, in the loving embrace of her husband Richard. Jeanne, a longtime resident of East Palo Alto, worked as an administrative aide to San Mateo County Board Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson. Prior to that, she spent 3 years with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation as its Initiative Officer for community schools, and another 12 years with the Peninsula Community Foundation managing fiscal and administrative operations.
Along with her passion for social change, Jeanne was a familiar figure on the volunteer lines throughout San Mateo County. Along with her husband Richard, Jeanne enjoyed music and theatre, travel and outings with family and friends.
Jeanne is survived by her husband Richard, her son Michael Arrington; her stepson Rahsaan; her grandchildren Stephon, Preston and Dominique; her sisters-in-law, Stephanie Tatum, and Sylvia and Roosevelt Alexander; her brother-in-law Woodrow Tatum; nieces and nephews Tazamisha, Tacuma, Tabari, Rachel, Veronica, Christina, Nicole, Jennifer, Joel, Brandon, Taylor, Andre and Johnny; her cherished cousins throughout the East Coast; and, a long list of friends.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation be made to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, referencing the White Family Fund on the memo line. The Foundation is located at 2440 W. El Camino Real, Mt. View, CA 94040.
A memorial service will be held for Jeanne at Costano School in East Palo Alto on October 23rd from 1-3PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeanne Tatum
Preston
October 7, 2023
Love ya
Sunni Williams
November 17, 2010
When I think of Jeanne I think of fond, as well as, fun memories. A voice like an angel and a generous and loving spirit. Richard, Michael, Rahsaan and families, I send you love, my darlings.
Shirley Powell-Lewis
November 16, 2010
I'll always remember Jeanne as one of "Peter's Pumpkins" from the National Training Institute for Community Economic Development. We all shared some really great trips and staff retreats. She maintained Lasting friendships throughout her too short life. She was such a wonderful and loving spirit. Her beautiful and vibrant smile would light up a room easily. My sincere condolences go out to Richard and Mike and all her extended family
Lesia Preston
November 15, 2010
Jeanne and her husband supported Ecumenical Hunger Program for many years. Jeanne was a wonderful person and it was truly a pleasure to know her. She will definitely be remembered "well".
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Sally Smith
November 13, 2010
Jeanne was such a good and loyal friend. Words cannot express how much I will miss her.
Kalamu Chache
October 6, 2010
The One We Knew
The one we knew as Jeanne Cuffey Tatum
Has now become our Ancestor.
She departed this life on September 19, 2010.
Jeanne truly lived a full life
With so much passion and purpose.
Her presence in our lives made us better people.
Her family, friends, and community
Were always very important to her existence.
The one we knew as Jeanne Cuffey Tatum
Has left us with a great legacy of her song.
May we always remember the beauty of her voice
And sing her melodic Jazz songs of love.
May we always sing her songs of happiness
Because she brought these songs into our lives.
May we always remember that this Daughter of Lite
Taught us to "Let The Sun Shine In."
(c) Poetess Kalamu Chache 2010
September 30, 2010
One of the most generous and caring individuals I have ever known.
Loyci Stockey, Bellevue, Washington
Debbie Ford-Scriba
September 29, 2010
I am deeply saddened to know of Jeanne's passing. Truly a bright star has fallen. Deepest sympathy to Richard and all the family.
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