Debra Ann Tatum

Debra Ann Tatum, age 67, unexpectedly passed away January 23, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on September 17, 1954 in Longview, Texas to Robert Lee Wauford and Jessie Lee (Mack) Wauford. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Russell Tatum, and her dear son, Landon Tatum and fiancé Jenadee.

Not long after birth, Debra and her parents moved to Clovis, New Mexico. Debra attended K-12 in Clovis. Debra earned her Bachelor’s degree at Eastern New Mexico and her Master’s degree at Texas A&M-Kingsville. During her time at Eastern New Mexico, Debra was on the dance team. Most importantly, it was at Eastern New Mexico that Debra met the love of her life, Russell. In 1977, Russell proposed to Debra and they were married on August 12, 1978 in San Antonio, Texas. Together, they enjoyed trips to the beach at Corpus Christi, trips to baseball games in Houston, learning together as new teachers, and attending high school games. On April 28, 1989, Debra and Russell were blessed with their only child, Landon Michael Tatum. Debra loved being a mom, making sure Landon succeeded at school and following Landon around to all his sports activities (from camps to practice to games and everything in between). Debra was Landon’s biggest fan and the most vocal coach. As a family, they enjoyed attending church, watching their favorite shows and sports together, and spending time together. Debra’s true joy in life came from being a wife and a mother.

Debra was a dedicated educator, spending over 40 years in education. Debra taught elementary school in Clovis, New Mexico at Lockwood and in San Antonio, Texas at Shenandoah, Elrod, and McDermott schools. At McDermott, Debra served as an assistant principal and then as the principal for several years. Among her many awards, Debra was awarded the 2012 Administrator of the Year Award. Debra truly believed in every student and teacher. She loved empowering and inspiring others through her passion for education. Even when Debra retired, she coached and mentored principals throughout San Antonio.

Debra was a faithful follower of the Lord and lived her life in the name of Christ. She firmly believed that with God, all things were possible. Debra and Russell attended His Grace Church weekly and enjoyed worshipping together. You would not get in a car of Debra’s without Kirk Franklin’s Praise channel on. Debra always enjoyed singing (especially gospel music). In Debra’s later years, she enjoyed playing piano, shopping on QVC, watching her favorite shows and sports with Russell, watching Landon coach, and spending time with family and friends.

Debra had a unique way of touching the lives of everyone she encountered. Debra will be deeply missed by her many friends and family.

A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road San Antonio, Texas 78238, with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The family asks that you please wear your mask at the service and/or visitation.

If you would like to leave a memory or comment about Debra, please go to https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-antonio-tx/debra-tatum-10548265 .