Wanda Mae Tatum, born Wanda Mae Holland, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on June 8, 2026, at the age of 89. Wanda was born on January 7, 1937, in Houston, Texas, to Warren and Mattie Holland. She grew up on the northside of Houston and was the youngest of a large family of brothers and sisters. She met the love of her life, Billy Joe Tatum, at his father's salvage yard. The two were married on March 1, 1953, and shared 53 wonderful years of marriage until Billy Joe's passing in 2005. Together, Wanda and Billy Joe were blessed with three children: Connie, Melinda, and David.
She is lovingly survived by her children; grandchildren Ricky and wife Kendra, Patrick and wife Dana, Ronnie, Brandi, Joseph and wife Heather, Nikki and husband Cody, Terri and husband Jessy, Kelsie, Jessica and husband Cody, and Robert; 31 great-grandchildren; and 32 great-great-grandchildren. Wanda was known for her beautiful smile, contagious laughter, and extraordinary love for God, family, and friends.
Her faith guided her throughout her life, and she touched countless lives through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Joe Tatum; grandchildren Tammy Majorka and Gary Lynn Rucker; her parents, Warren and Mattie Holland; and all of her brothers and sisters.
Wanda's legacy of faith, love, strength, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
