JoAnna Tatum

JoAnna Tatum, age 85, of Avondale Estates, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on January 3, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born on April 2, 1939, in Covington, Kentucky, and grew up in Boone County, Kentucky, as one of five children. JoAnna was the beloved daughter of the late Hazel Lee Code and John Bernard Code.

At the age of 24, JoAnna made the courageous decision to relocate to the Atlanta area with her young daughters and a suitcase. In 1973, she remarried widower Pete Tatum, forming a blended family. Together, they spent 20 years building their lives before Pete's passing in 1994.

JoAnna began her career at Suburban Nursery School in 1964, which was founded by Margaret and Pete Tatum in 1962. It didn't take long for JoAnna's talents, energy, and leadership to shine. Within a few years, her capabilities propelled her to Director/Owner. Affectionately called "Mrs. Tatum," she led with compassion, playfulness, and a deep understanding of others. Mrs. Tatum was a constant source of inspiration and joy for both colleagues, families, and the children she served.

The Decatur community recognized Mrs. Tatum exceptional work and dedication to Suburban Nursery School. She was featured in a special article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution when the school celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting her pivotal role in supporting working families and providing a "Home Away from Home" setting.

JoAnna was a woman of many talents and a natural leader, always willing to give others a chance to succeed. Throughout her life, she wore many hats: businesswoman, property manager, cook, teacher, driver, caregiver, and community liaison. Her strong bond with the Decatur community was a testament to her character, and her dedication extended beyond her work-she was a volunteer with Easter Seals and a loving caregiver for both family members and neighbors in need.

JoAnna's defining gift was an ability to see the glass half full and realize the beauty of each day. Her passions included being with her family, caring for her home and garden, and sharing her love of plants and birds. JoAnna was a talented cook, known for preparing meals that brought people together. She loved spending time with her family and was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves. JoAnna was a parishioner of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

JoAnna is preceded in death by her parents, her husband W.C. (Pete) Tatum, two stepsons Marvin Tatum and David Tatum Sr., her granddaughter Leslie Rae Kochensparger, her brothers Jerome Code and James Nicholas Code, and her son-in-law Lance Carter.

She is survived by her sister Jackie Martin, her brother Bill Code, her daughters Connie Davis Moore (Tim) and Cathy Carter, her stepson Jeff Tatum, as well as four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and five beloved nephews. JoAnna's warmth, leadership, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who know her.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home from 2:00pm - 4:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 17th, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at 10:00am.

In leu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following charities:

Easterseals North Geogia: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eastersealsnorthgeorgia/

Georgia Audubon: https://act.audubon.org/a/donate-search?&SelectedFrequency=6&ms=digital-fund-ppc-bing-brand-annual-20240000&msclkid=3d175d7ba5021e389c2d3afb8e1478aa&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FY24%20Brand&utm_term=audubon%20adopt%20a%20bird&utm_content=Brand%20-%20General