Lucy "Gene" Tatum

Lucy “Gene” Tatum, 84, of Amarillo, Texas, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on December 28, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Church of Christ at the Colonies. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Gene was born on October 14, 1941, in Lovington, New Mexico, to Hobdy and Irma Gann. She graduated from Lovington High School in 1959 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Eastern New Mexico University. On February 14, 1960, she married the love of her life, Donald Tatum, in Lovington.

Gene later obtained her master's degree from West Texas A&M University and dedicated her career to education, teaching third grade, then the librarian at Whittier Elementary School.

A faithful member of Church of Christ at the Colonies for 23 years, Gene was affectionately known as “The Cookie Lady” for her generous spirit and love of baking. She delighted in baking cookies and lemon cakes for countless occasions, with a special joy in preparing her frosted Snicker cookies for the Ronald McDonald House. Gene was also an avid reader and a devoted prayer warrior, lifting up many in her heartfelt prayers.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Tatum; her son, Nathan Tatum and wife Michele of Amarillo; her sister, Ann Walker and husband Robert of Kansas City, Missouri; her grandchildren, Alex Tatum of Amarillo and Krista Hesson and husband Tradd of Amarillo; and her great-granddaughter, Freya.

Gene's warmth, faith, and kindness touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed.