Mary Guest Tatum

AIKEN, SC – MARY RUTH “NANNY” TATUM, 90, widow of Coach DeWitt Tatum passed away Monday, March 15, 2021 at her residence surrounded by loved ones.

     A native of Cherokee County, SC, Mary was a daughter of the late Martha Palmer Guest and Estess Guest.  Her mother died when Mary was a small child.  She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Lewis and Belle Palmer Robinson.  She attended secretarial school in Spartanburg, SC before moving to Aiken in the early 1950’s to work at the Savannah River Plant.  

     Mary was a proud DuPonter.  She began her 42-year DuPont career working in different administrative positions in Construction.  She eventually transferred to the Operations group, retiring as Human Resources Manager.  Mary never remarried after the untimely death of Coach Tatum, who predeceased her by 52 years.  She played the role of mother and father in a time when that was not common.  Despite these struggles, she always supported and provided for her sons. 

Mary was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church.  She was active with the Aiken Chapter of the American Diabetes Association volunteering as a Board member and on their Broadway Musical Productions. Mary enjoyed traveling, especially with her travel buddies.  She came very close to meeting her goal of visiting every National Park and visiting all seven continents. She was an extremely proud grandmother, full of unconditional love for her granddaughters.  She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

     Mary is survived by two sons, Clinton Warren Tatum, Cherokee County, SC, Kyle Palmer Tatum, Smyrna, GA; two granddaughters, Caroline Grace Partridge (Ian), Lexington, KY, Mariah Ruth Tatum, Smyrna, GA; daughter-in-law, Loretta Tatum Coleman, Peachtree City, GA; sister, Juanita West, Myrtle Beach, SC. We are forever grateful for her devoted care givers:  Amy Moseley, Christy Craig, and Amber Shaw.

      A Graveside service will be Monday afternoon, March 22^nd at 3 o’clock in Sunset Memory Gardens.  The Rev. Dr. Eddie Leopard will officiate.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC