Rubye Tatum

Rubye Wood Tatum was born December 14, 1934, in Brownsville, Tennessee to the union of Austin Wood, Sr., and Mary Lillian Smith Wood. This sweet and productive life came to an end on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Tristar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rubye began her walk with Christ at an early age and was united with the Cleveland Street Baptist Church for many years.

She was educated in the Brownsville, Tn. School System and was a graduate of Carver High School and she continued her education by attending Lane College.

She shared a lifelong love with Henley Tatum. They were united in holy matrimony in 1985. He preceded her in death.

Rubye was employed for over 30 years as a registered nurse with Baptist Hospital. She was blessed to retire and enjoy the fruits of her labor.

Rubye enjoyed reading her Bible, crossword puzzles, watching, soap operas, Sunday conversations with her nephew, Terry, shopping, spending time with family and friends. All these things would make her heart smile.

In addition to her husband, Rubye was preceded in death by her parents, Mary L. Smith Wood and Austin Wood, Sr., sister, LouDella Wood, brothers, Smith Woods, Charles Wood and Austin Wood, Jr.

Rubye leaves to cherish her sweet memories her son, Terris (Frankie) Tatum, Huntsville, Alabama, granddaughter, Kendra Tatum, Huntsville, Alabama, grandsons, Gerald (Michelle) Tatum, San Diego, Ca., and Nathan (Ashley) Tatum, Huntsville, Alabama, sisters, Clara (Irvin) Clark and Marie (Otis) Hines, numerous devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. very devoted and longtime friend of 47 years, Mrs. Marilyn Whitlock Hockersmith, very devoted friends, Mrs. Janie Mack, Ms. Sheryl Reffegee and Pastor Samuel Sims.