Jean "Granny" Tatum

Jean Radford Tatum, 87, of Pray, Montana, passed away at home on Sunday, September 5, 2021, with her loving family at her side. Known to most as "Granny", she was born to Lewis and Lera (nee Scott) Radford in Franklin County, Virginia, on December 5, 1933.

Following high school, Jean worked at the DuPont nylon factory in Martinsville, VA. It was at DuPont where she met her husband, Roy Benton Tatum, Jr. They were married 40 years before Roy's untimely passing on October 3, 2001. She later worked at Penn Haven Meats in Spencer, VA, and a few years later, worked as a rural mail carrier before becoming the Postmaster in Spencer. Jean retired from the post office after many years of service. In retirement, Jean and Roy split their time between family in Montana and Virginia. Granny had a competitive, yet loving, spirit. She loved to fish, hunt, play softball (barefooted!) in the local church league, and participate in Rook card tournaments. She loved to watch her granddaughter's softball and cheerleading activities when they were younger, and more recently, her grandson's baseball games and 4-H shooting sports. Spending time with her great-grandchildren in Virginia was also a favorite. She also enjoyed gambling, watching NASCAR, and playing cards with friends and neighbors. Jean especially loved playing Uno with the youngsters.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and two siblings. She is survived by her children, Roy (Jeanette) Curtis Tatum of Buchanan, VA, and Jeannie Marie Tatum of Pray, MT; grandchildren Kelley (Mike) Edwards, of Westlake, VA, Anne (Jadie) Boothe of Stewartsville, VA, and Scott Benton Tatum of Pray, MT; great-grandchildren, Billy Wayne and Heidi Jean Boothe; and siblings Paul (Hettie) Radford, of Ferrum, VA, Louise Jackson, of Richmond, VA, and Audrey (M.T.) Mitchell, of Sontag, VA.

A celebration of Jean's life took place May 14, 2022, at the Old Well Christian Church in Spencer, VA, where Jean was a member. Following the celebration, Jean was buried next to her loving husband at the Tatum family plot in the church's cemetery.

The Tatum family would like to thank all the caregivers the last several years and the hospice staff at Livingston Healthcare Hospice that treated our mother as if she were their own. In honor of Granny, please hug a child today. Donations in Granny's memory may be made to the Paradise Valley Community Church Children's Ministry, 1772 East River Road, Livingston, MT, 59047, or to a charity of the donor's choice.Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.