Jerry Elizabeth Tatum's Obituary
Jerry Elizabeth Tatum peacefully passed away in her home on March 23, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. with her loving husband by her side after courageously battling illness for over a year. Jerry was born August 17, 1943, to Lula Pearl Jones and was the oldest of five children. She attended Chattanooga public school system. Shortly after graduating Howard High School in 1961, she was joined in holy matrimony with her high school sweetheart, Gueron Coker, and to this union four children were born. As life moved on, she met and married Robert Tatum Sr., her loving and devoted husband of 45 years. He was the ying to her yang, and throughout their marriage they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. She was an avid exerciser until her illness rendered her unable, and until then he fancied himself as trainer and motivator. Early on, Jerry found employment in the public school system as a teacher’s assistant because she wanted to be close to her children as they started school. She went on to work for TVA and afterwards found a special calling when she became a caretaker, then supervised a number of group homes for adults with special needs. She eventually became an administrative assistant before retiring in 2006. She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. Her faith, while holding to God’s unwavering hand throughout her illness, provided her with strength which sustained her until God declared job well done, my good and faithful servant. Jerry developed into a social butterfly as a child when her grandmother (Elizabeth) taught her to play the piano as a way of entertaining guests in their home. The essence of this woman of God exuded class, style, and elegance. As a devoted wife and mother not only did she humbly sacrifice for the good of the family, she fervently prayed and interceded on their behalf as well as others. God fearing, loving, dedicated, thoughtful, protective, tireless provider are just some of the core attributes which laid the foundation for this wonderfully loving woman we called wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. The indelible impact that her presence made in our lives will live on through everyone she touched. She will forever be in our hearts. Preceding Mrs. Tatum in death include her grandparents, Jerry and Elizabeth Jones; mother, Lula Pearl Austin; brother, Rudolph Austin; sisters, Beverly Banks and Ruby Diamond. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Robert Tatum Sr., of Chattanooga, TN; sons, Anthony Coker of Savannah, GA, Minister Alan (Felicia) Coker, and Derek Coker of San Francisco, CA; daughter, Kristi (Favorite son-in-law Roderick) Milner of Chattanooga; stepson, Robert Tatum Jr., of Chattanooga; stepdaughter, Nicole Kendricks of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Courtney Benton, Lekeura Coker, Bria Coker, Jacanna Boozer, Maloni and Kelon Kendricks, Robert III and Randy Tatum, all of Chattanooga, Shakara Coker, of Pittsburg, CA, Mia Coker, of Trinity, NC, Antonio Coker, of Madison, WI; great-grandchildren, Jekhai, Peighton, Novah, Mia, Malachi, Courtney Jr., and Zoe; sister, Clara Williams, of Milwaukee, WI; supportive sister-in-law, Dora Coker, of Chattanooga; a host of other supportive in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mrs. Tatum will lie-in-state on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?
