TITLE: In memory of Mary Elizabeth Tatum.

SUMMARY: In memory of Mary Elizabeth Tatum.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Mary Elizabeth Tatum of Hideaway on June 8, 2016, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, The daughter of Johnnie and Mary Jane Freeman, the former Beth Freeman was born on March 18, 1928, in a rural community outside of Corsicana and grew up with four siblings, John, Monte, Don, and Janie; she was a member of the Emhouse High School Class of 1945, graduating with the "All-Around Girl" medal and with special recognition in English grammar; she went on to take classes in accounting and management at Hill College in Hillsboro and forged a successful career in business; after 24 years of distinguished service, she retired from the corporate accounting department of Dresser Industries, Inc., in Dallas; and WHEREAS, In 1947, she was joined in matrimony to Joe Loden, and during their 25 years of marriage, they became the proud parents of two children, Joe David and Sandra; after Mr. Loden's passing in 1972, she was fortunate enough to find love a second time and wed Austin Tatum in 1977, becoming the caring stepmother of two young women, Janis and Barbara; Mr. and Mrs. Tatum enjoyed a rewarding marriage that spanned more than two decades until his passing in 2000; and WHEREAS, A valued resident of Hideaway since 1985, Mrs. Tatum was an avid golfer and a founding member of the Ladies' Golf Association; she also held membership on the Hide-A-Way Lake Club Board of Directors from 2002 to 2006, and during her term of service, the board oversaw the construction of a new clubhouse and office as well as several major improvements to the golf course; in her leisure time, she loved to read and play mah-jongg, and she helped establish a local fishing club; known for her strong moral compass, she became an advocate for equal rights for women both in her professional life and as a female golfer; and WHEREAS, Beth Tatum is deeply missed, but those who were fortunate enough to know her will forever remember her devotion to her family, to her many friends, and to her community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Mary Elizabeth Tatum and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn her passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Beth Tatum. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 6, 2017, by a rising vote.