Helen Tatum

Helen Bernice Tatum Helen Bernice Tatum, life long Konawa, Oklahoma resident passed away Sunday, September 19, 2010 in Ada, Oklahoma at the age of 64. Helen was born June 10, 1946 in Okemah, Oklahoma to parents Joe and Bessie (Williams) Harjo. Helen attended boarding school, and after finishing her education she received a scholarship to Seminole State College. Helen was also a homemaker. Helen married Jimmy Don Tatum, Sr. on January 31, 1974 at Vamoosa, Oklahoma. She is survived by husband; Jimmy Don, three sons; Sonny Turnbow of Konawa, Oklahoma, Andrew Turnbow of Maud, Oklahoma and Jimmy Tatum, Jr. of Ada, Oklahoma. She is also survived by five daughters; Annette Turnbow of Citrus Heights, California, Cecelia Akerman of Konawa, Oklahoma, Felicia Lumley of Ada, Oklahoma, Latisha Culver of Konawa, Oklahoma and Donita Poston of Maud, Oklahoma. Three brothers also survive her; Raymond Harjo of Maud, Oklahoma, Louis Holahta, Timmy Holahta both of Okemah, Oklahoma and five sisters; Arlinda Smith, Annie Holahta, Regina Holahta, Eugenia Holahta and Estella Berryhill all of Okemah, Oklahoma. Helen is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; Joe and Bessie Harjo, four brothers; Albert, Evan, Harry James Harjo and Joe Holahta and one great grandchild Daniel Lamas. There will be a wake service Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Hershel Davis will officiate. Burial will take place at the Tatum Family Cemetery, Vamoosa, Oklahoma. Serving as casket bearers: Tafv Berryhill, Brandon Tatum, Chad Huckleberry, James Votaw, Tony Berryhill and Kyle Porter. Honorary bearers will be Chaz Lumley, Brian Akerman, David Poston, Lindsey Bondoni, Jeremy Culver, Charlie Williams and Alfred Berryhill. Funeral Information: September 19, 2010, 2:00 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips, Seminole, OK 74868