Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Sep 23, 1935 – Dec 20, 2019
TATUM, BETTIE JOYCE – Of Flint Township, age 84, died Friday, December 20, 2019 surrounded by family.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2020 at South Flint Tabernacle, G-3450 South Saginaw Street, Bishop Robert E. Henson officiating.
Visitation 2-8 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road. Mrs. Tatum will be at the church from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service.
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Daystar Childcare Center, PO BOX 7008 Flint, MI 48507.
Bettie was born on September 23, 1935, daughter of the late George and Clorah (Ruff) Davenport. On December 23, 1953 she married Thomas "Velle" Tatum. Velle and Bettie farmed together in their early years. She was employed at Sears in the accounting department for over 25 years. Bettie was a volunteer at Daystar Childcare and enjoyed rocking the babies. She was also a bingo champion. Bettie was a faithful member of South Flint Tabernacle. Above all, she loved her God and dearly loved her family.
Surviving are son, Thomas "Butch" (Meri) Tatum;
daughter, Susan Penn;
son-in-law, Jerry Vincent;
grandchildren, Misti (Todd) Husted, Jay Vincent, Kandyce Davidson, Rachel (Jeff) Hall, Zachary Penn and Magen (Eddie)Dees;
many great-grandchildren;
siblings, Gerald (Linda) Davenport, Gilbert (Sandra) Davenport and Carol (Erwin) Curtis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas "Velle" Tatum; daughter, Cynthia Vincent; sister, Sharon Garrison and brother, Darrel Davenport.
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"Precious Bettie, You have fought a good fight finished the coarse, no doubt you are rejoicing with all the loved ones and saints of South Flint Tabernacle! "Beautiful Lady of God"!!!
Sarah Abbey
January 04, 2020 | Belleview, FL | Friend
Rejoice with the angels in Heaven. I know Mom (Daisy) and others welcomed her to that eternal home.
Rick Young
January 04, 2020 | Atlanta, GA | Friend
We will surely miss you. We are glad you are with the Lord! How you treated people showed you are God's child. We enjoyed going to church with you. Rest well sweet sister!
Henry and Rhonda Miles
December 28, 2019 | Flint, MI
My cousin Bettie treated me and my family so well. She was always so full of love for us, and to most people she knew. We will truly miss her warm smile. She made everyone feel like they were special. We will miss her forever.
Love Mark and Jolene.
Von Mark Ruff
December 27, 2019
My sweet Aunt Bettie always had a kind word and a smile on her face.
Heilda Chipman
December 26, 2019 | BURTON, MI | Family
