Bobbie Francis (Glass) Tatum

On August 6, 2024, BOBBIE FRANCIS GLASS TATUM quietly passed from this life to her eternal home in Heaven at the age of 85, after battling a brief illness. She fell asleep in Jesus, just as she had prayed to for most of her life. It is with great sorrow over our loss, gratitude for her life and love, and joy in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband, Jerrell, that we, her family, announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great-grandmother, and friend.

Bobbie was born on April 9, 1939. From a young age, she was devoted to her family. For a short time in childhood, she lived with her Grandmother and Grandfather Staten, and often spoke of her wonderful memories of them. In her older childhood years, Bobbie helped her mother care for her younger siblings. That began a long life filled with rocking babies. From raising her own children in a loving and supportive home, to helping care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they grew up, she was truly the matriarch of our family, and the impact of her love on each of us is immeasurable.

Bobbie married the love of her life, Jerrell Tatum in 1956, when she was just 17 years old. They lived a life and built a home on faith and family, raising their children, Pam, Darryll, and Jeff, in church with a foundation of faith in God. Bobbie talked often of her mother’s example of being a wonderful Christian woman, and she followed in those footsteps. From teaching Vacation Bible School to rocking more babies in the nursery, to helping with events, she served her church with love and enthusiasm and taught her children to love Jesus.

Staying connected to family through cooking, family gatherings, and spending time together was a vital part of Bobbie’s life. She loved to serve people and have everyone’s “feet” under her table. And if you weren’t family, you were treated like family when you entered her home. She took pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and supported and encouraged their activities and endeavors. From sporting events to art shows, from church programs to school awards days, she showed up for the people she loved and spoke encouragement to all of us.

For several years, Bobbie worked as a department manager at Wal-Mart and became friends with many of her co-workers. She retired when Jerrell was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and became his compassionate and constant caregiver until his passing in 2013. From that day, she has wondered and spoken about the day she would be reunited with Jerrell in Heaven. Even in our grief, we are grateful that she no longer must wonder, and they are together again.

Bobbie leaves behind her three children and their loving partners – Pam (James) Dobbs, Darryll (Sherry) Tatum, and Jeff (Casey) Tatum; ten adoring Grandchildren and fourteen Great-Grandchildren; Sister – Brenda Glass Walker, Brothers – Ronnie Glass, Donnie Glass, and Joe Glass; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her mother, Ruby Jewel Staten Glass, her father, Collie Edward Glass, Brother, Jimmy Sullivan, and Husband, Jerrell Tatum.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 2PM from Rock Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Jordan officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. 

Burial will follow in the Rock Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Calera, AL.  

Pallbearers will be Alex Tatum, Trent Tatum, Corvis Crowson, Josh Glass, Floyd Glass and Terry Sullivan.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com