DEBRA (STEEN) TATUM

Aug. 30, 1957 - May 7, 2013
Evangelist Missionary - Saints Memorial Church of God in Christ SOUTH BEND - Evangelist Missionary Debra Tatum, sweet and beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, from her home after an extended illness. An anointed woman of God, and strong supporter of her family, church family and friends, she was always found faithfully working to benefit her fellow man. She has gone from labor to holy reward.

She was born August 30, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana, as the daughter of the church triumphant warriors Supt. Carl J. Steen Sr. and Missionary Genevieve Steen. She was also preceded in death by her late husband of 19 years, Elder Al Brent Tatum, and a younger brother, Eric Bryan Steen.

Missionary Tatum was raised in South Bend, Indiana, where she attended Benjamin Harrison, Edison Intermediate and South Bend John Adams High School. She furthered her education at Indiana University where she received her Associate Degree in Business and an Associate Degree in General Studies.

Debra married the late Al Brent Tatum in 1989. This union produced three wonderful children, Tevon Xavier, Trenton Rashad and Talesha Jasmine, all of whom survive. Also surviving are her best friend and sister, Missionary Denise Steen, and brother, Elder Carl J. (Jacqueline) Steen Jr. She will also be missed by a host of relatives, her Saints Memorial Church family and friends.

Missionary Debra Tatum was employed by the Hartford Insurance Company as a Senior Clerk and Claims Specialist until her failing health no longer permitted her to work. She accepted the Lord at an early age and received her aspiring and evangelist missionary licenses from the Churches of God in Christ in her adult years.

As a faithful member of Saints Memorial Church of God in Christ she worked in many roles to assist the church in its mission. She was the Assisting Secretary of the church, part-time church organist, speaker, teacher and praise team member. Missionary Debra also loved working with the Praise Dance Troupe, "Hands of Glory." Prior to returning to South Bend in 2008, Debra lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kansas City, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Mishawaka, Indiana. At each location, she positively impacted many lives and will be cherished by all who experienced her quiet temperament, friendliness, loving communication skills, diligence and easygoing spirit.

Missionary Debra was also the First Lady of Praise Fellowship COGIC while in Mishawaka and provided a great example of a powerful, creative and holy woman of God. Her desire was always to please her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Certainly she exemplified the words of Solomon in Proverbs 31:10-31 when he began with, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies" and ended with, "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

Visitation will be from 11 am to 12 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, followed by the Homegoing Celebration at 12 pm. Services will be at Saints Memorial Church of God in Christ located at 323 S. Liberty St., South Bend, IN 46619. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary. We invite you to leave the family an online message of condolence and/or sign our guestbook at ALFORDSMORTUARY.COM.