Audrey Ann Tatum, age 85, passed away on June 16, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Born on October 29, 1938 in Chetopa, KS. Her beloved husband Bill liked to say “Nothing really exciting ever happened in Chetopa, until I met Audrey Ann.” Audrey was a sodajerk at her local pharmacy, the town’s go-to after school hangout. The two of them met in high school study hall and began their seventy year romance, marrying in June of 1958.

Bill’s job at the railroad moved them to their forever home of Palestine, TX in 1977. From the start, Audrey was a huge part of the local community. Not only was Audrey a member of a million clubs, she was president of most of them. Whether it was through her faith (First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, FUMC Glory Bells Hand Bell Choir), charity (Harvey Woman’s Club, DAR), her love of the outdoors (Pionette Garden Club, Dogwood Garden Club Festival of Trees), or just staying social (Newcomer Clubs, Queen Mum Dogwood Diva’s Red Hat Club, Birthday Luncheon Club, Birthday Dinner Club, Bunco Club, Pulpwood Queen Book Club) — if there was a club she was in it, and we probably missed some.

Though they loved their home base, they also adventured around the world. Audrey in particular loved to snorkel and take long walks in nature. She was the life of the party, but was also a great listener and friend. She often walked the neighborhood in the mornings to connect with her neighbors and friends.

Audrey was blessed with two children, four grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was incredibly devoted to her family, and was so involved in her grandkid’s lives she was sometimes mistaken for a parent. Audrey made sure her grandkids could join as many activities as they wanted, and she never missed a performance. Audrey was a consummate hostess, ready to feed a house of twenty at a moment’s notice. Her grilled cheeses were so legendary that her family rebelled when her world-famous pan was retired from overuse.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, sister, and parents. She is survived by her brother, Earl Garrett, Jr. 

We ask that you send well wishes to family members including her daughter Diane, son Terry, granddaughter Breann and her husband Lee, grandson Billy and his wife Ashley, and grandson Bryant and his longtime girlfriend Stephanie, as well as her loving great grandchildren: Katelyn, Madison, James, Clarke Ann, Logan, Eleanor, Olivia, Hannah, Madie, Trenton, Raegan, and Kenlynn, as they honor their cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

The family will be having a private burial in Chetopa, KS. A celebration of life for both her and Bill will be held at a later date in Palestine, Tx.

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