Flossie Mae Tatum, 84, of Harrell, AR., passed away May 11, 2026. Born July 18, 1941, to the late Joseph McGruder and the late Eula Lee Sumler Childs. She attended school in Harrell, AR and later attended in Thornton, AR.
Flossie united with Harrell First Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Turner in 1952 at the age of twelve. She remained a faithful servant until her health failed. She served as Church Clerk for 32 years, also as a Sunday School Teacher, youth director, chairperson of Building fund, Vice President of the Mission Auxiliary and secretary of the Finance Committee. She was also a knowledgeable, faithful, dedicated and committed Deaconess.
Flossie was instrumental in successfully organizing the Black Awareness Group (BAG) along with her good friend Lillie Randall. She served as the very first Vice President of the group. She also served on the United Community Resource Council (UCRC) and was a member of the J.K. Edwards Bible Institute’s ‘Handfuls of Purpose’ ministry food team.
Flossie was employed at the Hampton School District for fifty years as a Director of Custodial Services. She was well respected by the entire administration, School Board, Faculty staff, as well as students and parents.
Flossie was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Rev. Howard Tatum on September 21, 1957. To this union a beautiful family was raised, Julia, Thomas, John Howard, Janice and Frances.
Flossie was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Thomas, John Howard, Janice; five siblings, Bertha Lee Ferguson, Linda Cox, Brenda Moore, Curtis Childs, and Kenneth Golden.
She is survived by two daughters, Frances Crawford, Julia Hampton; two sisters, Eula Childs, Eloise Jones (Robert); nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; special friend, Lillie Randall; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held May 22 at First Baptist Church in Harrell, AR. with Rev. Rodney Williams officiating and Bishop Chester Thompson Jr. eulogist. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Harrell, AR. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
