Mrs. Gladys M. Tatum

Gladys Mae Beasley was born August 7, 1941 to Iola Williams and Jimmy Lee Beasley in Williston, TN. Gladys is the eldest of siblings Tommy, Mary Jane, Lorece and Jimmy Jr. Gladys lived with her mother, stepfather and sister Lorece in Macon, TN until she was 12 years old. She moved to Detroit to spend time with father Jimmy, stepmother and brother Jimmy Jr. through high school. Back in her hey-day, Gladys was known for dancing, dancing and dancing. After Detroit, Gladys returned to TN where the family had settled in Memphis. Gladys was a loyal and loving daughter and sister. Eventually Gladys moved to Milwaukee, WI where she joined her beloved Aunt Marcel who inspired, mentored and cared for her like a daughter. At the age of 26 Gladys settled down and married Albert Tatum and became an instant mother to 7-kids. While it wasn't quite the "Brady Bunch," between the mine, yours and ours, Gladys was the proud mother of 11 children. She loved each one of her children with all of her heart. When she was younger, she played jump rope, hide-and-seek, and other games with the older kids just like she was one of them. Christmas at the Tatum house was extra special and fun. She took her kids to the Thanksgiving and Christmas parades. She taught her girls how to cook, clean and one day take care of their husbands. Gladys loved and cherished her "Honey," Albert. After 54 years of marriage, "Honey" was the only name you would ever hear her call her husband. Gladys was known for gardening, cooking, baking, shopping, drinking Pepsi, eating ice cream, chocolate turtle candies; reading her Bible, working crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite preacher or game show on TV. Gladys could make you laugh either with her or sometimes, at her. She loved to host parties when she was younger and would often host her own birthday get-togethers. Gladys accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior within a few years of marrying Albert. She would go on to become First Lady, Mother Tatum at Divine Temple Church. She served as long as she was physically able to serve. She loved her Divine Temple family and appreciated all they did for her. Gladys departed this life for glory with the Lord on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at home in the room with her "Honey." Parents, Iola Griggs and Jimmy Beasley; brother Tommy, beloved Aunt Marcel, sons Albert Jr. and Larry, grandsons Albert III and Evan preceded Gladys in death. Gladys leaves to cherish her memories husband Albert, sisters Lorece and Mary Jane; children Cassia, Debra (Todd), Richard, Carl, Rita, Brenda (Rickey), Elizabeth, Samuel and Sonia (Nicholas); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Mrs. Gladys M. Tatum

August 7, 1941 - October 13, 2021