Lila Mae Tatum

Lila Mae Nabors Tatum, age 93, of Cleveland, MS passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025. She was born on May 4, 1931, in Gunnison, MS to Arthur and Lila Nabors.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, B.G. Tatum, of Cleveland, MS and her 4 children, Sharon Tatum Gentile of Biloxi, MS, Melissa Taum Watts (Dennis) of Nashville, TN, Eric Nabors Tatum of Cleveland, MS, and Arthur William Tatum (Pamela) of Olive Branch, MS. She also leaves 8 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lila Nabors, sisters, Gloria June Nabors, and Shirley Nabors O'Daniel.

Mrs. Tatum grew up in Tippo, MS and after graduating from high school she attended Millsaps College for one year and then transferred to Delta State University. She met her future husband there and after graduation they married and started their family. She also received her master's degree in library science from Delta State University.

She taught English at Margaret Green Junior High School for many years and then took a position at Delta State University Library where she stayed until retirement. Upon retiring she pursued one of her favorite passions, the love of animals, by volunteering at the Cleveland-bolivar County Animal Shelter. She also was a member of the choir at First United Methodist Church for many years.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m.to 11:00 a.m. April, 5, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, MS, with a Memorial Service to immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to the Cleveland Bolivar County Animal Shelter or the DSU Foundation.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Diane Fly, Ruth Ann Bailey, and Vital Caring Home Hospice for the love and care they gave to Mrs. Tatum and her family.