Corrie Pattison Tatum

Our hearts may be heavy, but there are smiles on our faces, because on March 17, 2026, Corrie Pattison Tatum went home to be with Jesus at the age of 101.

If you’ve lived anywhere within an hour of Pattison, Texas, or traveled across continents over the last century, chances are you met Corrie somewhere along the way. And if you did, you never forgot her.

There are some people who don’t just live life, they fill it. Corrie was one of those rare souls whose presence was felt long before she entered a room and long after she left it.

She was loud in the best way, the kind of loud that meant joy, laughter, and a story you didn’t want to miss. She was the life of every party, the center of every gathering, and the heartbeat of her family. With a personality larger than life, she made ordinary moments unforgettable. And whether you asked for it or not, Corrie always had advice to give, because if she loved you, she wanted you to live right.

Born Corrie Mae Pattison on May 15, 1924, in Pattison, Texas, she was the daughter of James Madison Pattison and Evelyn Wendt Pattison. She was a proud lifelong member of the Pattison community and a faithful member of Pattison Methodist Church.

She shared 66 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Col. John Richard Tatum, whom she now joins in eternal rest.

Corrie lived with purpose and passion. She was a member of the Business & Professional Women’s Club of Houston, championing women’s leadership long before it was widely recognized. Her commitment to service extended statewide through her leadership in the Reserve Officers Association Ladies Club, where she served proudly as Texas President.

Her love for Houston and all things Texan showed through her involvement in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Committee, where she greeted the world with her signature hospitality. She also held a special place in her heart for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, where she was honored as a Member Emeritus; a recognition she treasured deeply.

Until her recent passing, Corrie proudly held the distinction of being the oldest living member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Her faith and curiosity carried her far beyond home. Corrie made two sacred pilgrimages to the Holy Land with Dr. Charles L. Allen, experiences that deepened her walk with Christ. She was an enthusiastic traveler who embraced the world with open arms. Her adventures took her to Germany, England, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, where she delighted in riding camels, Austria, where she attended the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Switzerland, and Colombia, a trip especially dear to her through her work with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

She loved deeply, her God, her family, and her friends. She was fiercely proud to be a Pattison and carried that pride everywhere she went. She traveled far and wide, volunteered often, and never missed a chance to be part of something bigger than herself.

She is survived by her daughters, Susanne Tatum Doss (Robert) and Mary Jane Bruess (Byron); her daughter in law, Patsy Tatum; and her brother, Joseph C. Pattison.

She was “Mimi” to her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren:

Stephanie Tatum Abshire (Dustin), Kristin Susanne Ruble, John Pattison Tatum, Jr. (Brittany), Sarah Ruble Stevens (Tommy Mason), James Michael Tatum (Rachel), Tricia Tatum Gillespie (Michael), and James Saunders (Tiffany);

and her great grandchildren Matthew Abshire; Kyle Mark Stevens, Ryland Stevens, and Evelyn Coyle; Addison Tatum and Reagan Tatum; Cameron Gillespie and Melanie Gillespie; John Michael Tatum and Clay Tatum; and Jackson Saunders, Trenten Saunders, and Hudson Saunders.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Vernon, James, and George Pattison; her half-sister Vivian Taylor; her husband John Richard Tatum; and her son John Pattison Tatum.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Veranda House and Ft. Bend Hospice for their compassionate care.

At this time, the family asks that you honor Corrie with these simple actions:

• Instead of bringing food, cook a meal for someone you love—and tell them you love them.

• Instead of a gift, give one to someone from whom you’ve drifted or someone who could use a lift.

• If tears come, let them fall—but let them become prayers to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• If you don’t know Him, get to know Him today. If you ask, He will speak to you in one way or another.

Corrie knew life was meant to be shared…faith, family, and laughter. That is the legacy she leaves behind.

She didn’t just live life; she celebrated it, all 101 years, loudly, fully, and unapologetically. While the world may feel quieter without her, the echoes of her voice and her joy will never fade.

Friends who wish may make a memorial gift to The Royal Education Foundation on behalf of Corrie Pattison Tatum.

Royal Education Foundation