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Janette Tatum

Janette Tatum entered into eternal rest on November 7, 2018, at the age of 87 years. Janette was born June 18, 1931, in Wilson County, and spent most of her life residing in the LaGuardo community.  She was a 1949 graduate of Lebanon High School, and later attended Falls Business College.  She married Ernest Owen Tatum January 19, 1952, who preceded her in death in 2010 after 58 years of marriage.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 3-7 pm, and Saturday, November 10, from 11:00 until the service at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In addition to her husband, Janette was preceded in death by parents, Charlie & Janie Sue Williams Stewart; brother, Dan Stewart; daughter-in-law, Polly Hunter Tatum; and granddaughter, Shawna Beadle Jennings.

Janette is survived by Children: Susan (Richard) Beadle, Philip Tatum, and Barry (Kathy) Tatum.  Grandchildren:  Brandon (Melissa L) Farmer, Bryan (Melissa H) Farmer, Brittany (John) Carroll, Will (Tori May) Hunter, and Michael Beadle; Great Grandchildren:  Cameron and Jaxon Farmer; Jacob, Noah, Jeremiah, and Benjamin Farmer; Wes, Mika, Aley, Gavin, and Brody Carroll; Tatum and Taylor Hunter; and Avery and Easton Ferrell.  Sisters-in-Law:  Bettye Stewart and Edna Mae Tatum; and numerous cousins, nieces & nephews.

Janette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who loved her family immensely. Her life was one of ambition, hard work, honesty, integrity, and most of all, a deep abiding faith in God.  She lived by example and was not afraid to speak or stand up for what was right and what she believed in. She was an admired, loved, and respected individual.  In their early years, Janette and Ernest operated Stewart’s Grocery in LaGuardo, and together operated a small farm.  In the late 1960’s, she joined Field Enterprises, the distributor of the World Book Encyclopedia, initially as a sales representative, and subsequently as district manager for middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Her most fulfilling career came during her semi-retirement years, right at home on the farm.  Janette and Ernest (who had recently retired from Dupont) started raising and selling tomatoes and tomato plants with the help of their three young grandchildren. They spent over 20 years quietly instilling in those grandchildren the important values in life.

Janette was an active member of LaGuardo Baptist Church for many years. She volunteered to join a group of LBC members called to meet a need in the local community of Possum Town, by establishing a small chapel in the home of Mrs Rosa Webb. The chapel grew and a building of worship was later erected becoming known as Webb’s Baptist Chapel, where she was a member.

In reflecting upon her life, it is apparent she crossed many paths and enjoyed many wonderful relationships. The family looks forward to reminiscing with friends and family in the days ahead, and are thankful for this opportunity.  They are also sincerely thankful to Alive Hospice, The Pavilion, and Kindred Home Health for their services.  Also, a special  “thank you” to all the caregivers in each organization, for their compassion and commitment in caring for their mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alive Hospice, Autism Speaks, Gideon’s International, The Salvation Army, or your preferred charity are encouraged.

Pallbearers: Brandon Farmer, Bryan Farmer, Will Hunter, John Carroll, Alan Tatum, Richard Beadle, Chuck Stewart, Doug Bone, Jimmy York

Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Robert Steves, Amy Gilbert, Karen Byrge, Lovely Ladies of LaGuardo, Paul and Josephine Thompson, special friends at Berea Church of Christ, Ann Boyd, Edie Clark, Jean Marshall, Pat and Joe T. Pfarr

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon (615)444-2142   www.ligonbobo.com

Messages for the Family

  1. Julia Farris says:
    Philip and family, my condolences. You know I had been praying for all of you during this time and will continue to ask God’s comfort for you. Loving thoughts.
  2. The children of Marvin and Myra Davenport says:
    The memories are very special as we think back on that special place called LaGuardo and the special friendship we shared with all of you. God bless all of you. With love,