JoAnne Tatum

Born and raised in Hastings, Michigan, JoAnne Tatum was the daughter of Dr. Raymond and Jean Finnie, and sister to Gordon (deceased), Barbara, and Linda.

JoAnne attended the University of Kentucky where she met her future husband and love of her life, Ralph Davis Tatum. She earned her bachelor’s degree, and upon graduation, moved to San Francisco where she worked for Trans World Airlines (TWA).

JoAnne and Ralph were married in 1956, and lived in Louisville, KY before moving to the Bay Area and settling in Danville in 1970 where they raised their family and lived for 41 years.

She worked for several organizations over the years including Chevron, Hamill & McKinney Architects, and was a real estate agent for Grubb & Ellis.

JoAnne was active member of the Danville community. She was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church and served numerous community organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Friends of the Danville Public Library, and the PTA.

She cherished her family and in the 1990s, conducted extensive research and compiled a book of genealogy of the entire Finnie family, which has served as a source of interest and inspiration to her children and grandchildren.

JoAnne had many passions, especially gardening and knitting (making countless sweaters and blankets for family and friends), and later in life enjoyed traveling the world with Ralph, staying at elder hostels in the U.S., Italy, Scotland, and other international destinations.

JoAnne is survived by her husband, Ralph Tatum; children Juli Ayers, Craig Tatum, and Steve Tatum, son-in-law Dave Ayers, daughter-in-law Kelly Tatum; and four granddaughters. She was predeceased by a son, Mark Tatum, and grandson, Tyler Maher.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we are limited to a quiet celebration of life with immediate family only. Interment will take place at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California.

Remembrances / donations can be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness.