Tatum, Mary Emma Howard

Mary Emma Howard Tatum, 72, of Blacksburg died, Friday, March 16, 2007 at Montgomery Regional Hospital.

She was born in Statesville, N.C. on November 20, 1934 to the late Ellis and Lena Pippin Howard. She was also preceded in death by her husband Robert Edward Tatum, Sr., two brothers Elbert Howard, Bill Howard, and one sister, Gladys Anthony.

She was a retired teacher, having taught music in several of the Blacksburg Public Schools. After retiring Mrs. Tatum enjoyed being an associate with J. C. Penny at the New River Valley Mall. She was also an avid card player.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Tatum of Blacksburg; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Edward, Jr. and Dana Tatum of Salem; and her very special granddaughter, Allison Tatum, of Salem, whom Mrs. Tatum loved spending time with; sister Lavalette Anthony of Stanleytown, Va.; brother, Pressley Howard of Prescott, Ariz.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, March 19, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Reggie Tuck officiating. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. Friends may call anytime after 12 noon Sunday and the family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg.