Bernice Lucille Tatum

A service honoring the life of Bernice Tatum will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., following a viewing at 10:00 a.m., in the Hobson Auditorium at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Bernice Tatum was the oldest of five children and was born on March 24, 1930 to Cue and Ruby Dobbs in Sanderson, Florida. She grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. She was married for 63 years to the love of her life and late husband, Jimmy, whom she met when he came into her church to get out of the rain. They were an adoring couple that shared their abundant love and life with four adopted children: Terri Bush (Danny), Tim Tatum (Alisa), Tracy Tatum (Stephanie), and Tammy Wilson (Gary). Their family flourished to include nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bernice loved creating a beautiful and welcoming home. She enjoyed cooking, decorating, sewing, hostessing, and entertaining. She was devoted to family, community, and her church. Bernice was bold and adventurous and loved world travel. Her love of fashion and color was evidenced by the way she put herself stylishly together each day. Bernice also enjoyed fresh flowers, tea parties with her granddaughters, and walking the beach. All who knew her knew she was blessed with the gift of teaching. She studied the Bible daily and taught women of all ages in Sunday School, Apples of Gold, and Bible Study Fellowship.

Bernice’s body will be laid to rest at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with her lifelong love. Her soul is now present with Christ where her homecoming is being celebrated and rewarded. One of her favorite passages is Proverbs 31 and she lived it daily. “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

In lieu of flowers, Bernice requested contributions be designated to the Florida Baptist Children's Home.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS TOWN AND COUNTRY Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, is serving the family.