Louise H. Tatum

On June 11, 1924, Louise Harris began a dedicated and fulfilling life that would span over 92 years.  As the second of ten children born to Sam and Espinola Denman Harris, and growing up in the 1920’s and 1930’s, she learned and used skills to maintain and improve home, school, and church. Faith, family, and friends were a big part of her daily life.  In high school, her sewing ability was noted and encouraged and she began to earn income by sewing for others. After high school, and early in her marriage, she sewed at home doing dressmaking, alterations, doll clothes, and some upholstery work.  Later, she worked for shops such as Joyce’s Alterations and Formal Rentals. She was a skilled money manager and very disciplined spender and saver. She knew how to stretch a dollar, putting something aside for future or emergency use.  She would say, “All you have to do is deny self.” She loved family and friends, remembering them with cards, telephone calls, letters and visits. When she wanted to go anywhere in Houston, she would often get on the bus rather than accept a ride.  Even over 90 years old, she’d rather ride the bus “a few minutes” than “bother anyone”.  Visiting friends and church members in nursing homes and hospitals, she would show up with bananas and other goodies. As a member of Bethany Missionary Church for over 50 years, she served in several areas. Many will remember her voice in the choir, and during devotion at the start of services.  She faithfully attended prayer meetings and bible studies and encouraged others to participate.  Some will recall her helping to expand the church fellowship hall with the teaching/storage area, and her work as a Sunday school teacher and mission sister.  And, becoming Mother of the Church remained a special honor. Her faith was strong and she often told others how God worked in her life. She encouraged bible reading and study.  Often you could hear her comment: “It make a difference…make a big, big difference.” and “Thank you for all you do.” She leaves behind a brother, four sisters, five children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Siblings: Leo Harris, San Jose, California; Reba Kay, Houston, Texas; Helen Chapel, Daly City, California; Lillian Harper, San Francisco, California; and Lillie B. Hobbs, Lufkin, Texas. Children (spouses): Donald Harris, Norlan (Shelby) Johnson, Michael Tatum, Carlton (Pam) Tatum, and Carla Thomas, all of Houston Texas. Grandchildren (spouses): Monica, Shelby (Erica), Stefan (LaKessha), Micquelyn (Morlon), Portia, Deidre, Karlton, and Kia. Great-grandchildren: Taylor, Niesha, Amber, Corryn, Harrison, Solomon, and Carter Preceding her in death were a husband, two brothers, two sisters and a son. Husband: Vater Tatum Siblings: K.D. Harris, Ervin Harris, Nellie Tatum, Jessie Lee Rubit A son: Joe Tatum