Laverta Tatum

Laverta J. Tatum, 92, passed away on April 5, 2020 at her home.

She worked for many years as a housekeeper and a babysitter for many children. She was a member of First Baptist of Ooltewah for 92 years. She was also the oldest living member on the mother’s board. She was honored for representing the oldest black family member in the Ooltewah/Collegedale area.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Tatum; daughter, Verna Strickland, 11 siblings and her grandson, Jason.

She is survived by her 5 children; Sharon Simms, Kenneth (Linda) Strickland, Marjorie Strickland, Bonita (Rodney) Bryant and Bernard (Joyce) Waller; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren.

Services will be held privately.

Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.