SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 108
In Memory
of
Mary Elizabeth Tatum
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
passing of Mary Elizabeth Tatum of Hideaway on June 8, 2016, at
the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Johnnie and Mary Jane Freeman, the
former Beth Freeman was born on March 18, 1928, in a rural
community outside of Corsicana and grew up with four siblings,
John, Monte, Don, and Janie; she was a member of the Emhouse High
School Class of 1945, graduating with the "All-Around Girl" medal
and with special recognition in English grammar; she went on to
take classes in accounting and management at Hill College in
Hillsboro and forged a successful career in business; after 24
years of distinguished service, she retired from the corporate
accounting department of Dresser Industries, Inc., in Dallas; and
WHEREAS, In 1947, she was joined in matrimony to Joe Loden,
and during their 25 years of marriage, they became the proud
parents of two children, Joe David and Sandra; after Mr. Loden's
passing in 1972, she was fortunate enough to find love a second
time and wed Austin Tatum in 1977, becoming the caring stepmother
of two young women, Janis and Barbara; Mr. and Mrs. Tatum enjoyed
a rewarding marriage that spanned more than two decades until his
passing in 2000; and
WHEREAS, A valued resident of Hideaway since 1985,
Mrs. Tatum was an avid golfer and a founding member of the
Ladies' Golf Association; she also held membership on the
Hide-A-Way Lake Club Board of Directors from 2002 to 2006, and
during her term of service, the board oversaw the construction of
a new clubhouse and office as well as several major improvements
to the golf course; in her leisure time, she loved to read and
play mah-jongg, and she helped establish a local fishing club;
known for her strong moral compass, she became an advocate for
equal rights for women both in her professional life and as a
female golfer; and
WHEREAS, Beth Tatum is deeply missed, but those who were
fortunate enough to know her will forever remember her devotion
to her family, to her many friends, and to her community; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Mary Elizabeth
Tatum and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn her
passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
so in memory of Beth Tatum.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 6, 2017, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate