Shirley Ann Pearce Tatum

(March 28, 1935 ~ January 27, 2026)

Shirley, daughter of Stephen Bruce Pearce and Mary Rebecca Sanders, married to James Milton Tatum and buried in Tuscola Cemetery, Tuscola, Taylor County, Texas.

Shirley Ann Pearce Tatum passed away in peace on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at home. Shirley was born March 28, 1935 to Stephen Bruce Pearce and Mary Rebecca Sanders in Ovalo, Texas. She Attended South Taylor High School and graduated in 1953. Shirley married James Milton Tatum in August of 1952 and they later moved to Abilene.

In her early years Shirley was a homemaker and mother to three children. In the early 1970's Shirley became a nurse. She worked many years at HMC and for several local doctors. Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports. Milton and her loved to square dance.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Stephen Bruce and Rebecca Pearce, her husband James MIlton Tatum, son James Randall Tatum, daughter Tracey Harvey, and brother O'Neal Pearce.

Shirley is survived by a sister Melba Drennan of Sunset, TX. son Larry Tatum and wife Ramona of Merkel TX.,granddaughters Ashley Fisher and husband Arlen of Midland TX, Michelle Cochran and husband Cory of Merkel, TX. Grandsons Eddie Tatum and wife Amy of Alvarado TX., Mitch Tatum and wife Ann, of Indiana, Howard Harvey of San Angelo, TX., Chris Tatum of California, Aaron Tatum and Elizabeth of San Antonio, TX., Jeff Tatum of Abilene, TX., Justin White of Abilene, TX. 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great -great grandsons.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Chris Tatum, Aaron Tatum, Jeff Tatum, Mitch Tatum, Howard Harvey, and Justin White.

Funeral services will be held Friday February 6, 2026 at 11am at North's Funeral Home with burial to follow at Tuscola Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5-7pm at North's Funeral Home.

A special thank you goes out to Hospice of the Big County who helped take care of Shirley for the last several months.