Mildred C. Tatum

Mildred C. Tatum, born March 26, 1940 in Grady, Arkansas to the late Reverend Robert Samuel Carthan Sr. and Willie P. Carthan, peacefully transitioned from this life on November 2, 2025,surrounded by the love of her family.

Mildred married Charles Leon Tatum Sr. on August 21, 1959, and together they shared a beautiful life of faith, love, and family for more than six decades. Their marriage stood as a testament to enduring devotion, blessed with children, grandchildren, and generations that followed.

A graduate of Grady High School, Mildred continued her education at Shorter College, where she deepened her love for learning and community involvement. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of RK Young Christian Church and Connor Chapel AME Church, where she faithfully served for many years.

Mildred was a lifelong advocate for education, youth, and civic engagement.   She proudly served as a member of the National PTA and the National School Boards Association, and she held multiple leadership roles on the Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) School Board from 1983-2011. In addition, she was an active member of the Democratic Party and contributed to the community through service on the Pulaski County Detention Facility Advisory Board from 2007 to 2020, where she worked to improve communication, fairness, and conditions within the justice system.

Her passion and commitment to service extended beyond education and politics. Mildred played a key role in funding and establishing the Optimist Club in Wrightsville, Arkansas, an organization dedicated to supporting youth and fostering community growth. Her generous heart and steadfast belief in the power of service left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Mildred was preceded in death by one brother, David Winston; four sisters, Robert Jean George,  Furdy Lee Richardson, Marcelline Carr, and Emma Jean Cook; two sons, Edwin D. Tatum and Bobby D.Tatum; her sister-in-love, Erma Holmes and one beloved great-grandson, Makhi T. Davis.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 66 years, Mr. Charles Leon Tatum Sr.; one daughter, Sharon Hair; and four sons—Carl Carthan Sr., Charles Tatum Jr., Gerald Tatum (Kathy), and Terrence Tatum (Jackie) of Memphis, Tennessee; and daughter-in-love  Dez Tatum. She also leaves her brother, Robert Carthan Jr. (Joyce) of St. Louis, Missouri; 17 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; bonus daughter Erma Cummings; her best friends-Fannie Mason, Joyce Thompson, and Janice Stenhouse; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

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