Debra Tatum Obituary

Debra Tatum CHARLESTON - Debra Coleman Tatum, 71, of Charleston and recently Seneca, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest Friday, May 10, 2024. Debra was born March 14, 1953 at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines to the late Colonel William (Bill) Coleman and Rebecca (Betty) Varn Coleman. Growing up as a daughter of an Air Force Colonel, Debra lived and attended school in many places, including Puerto Rico, California and North Dakota. Debra loved being a teen at Clark AFB. Everyone called her "Peppermint Patty." She also enjoyed her summers spent at her grandmother's home in Smoaks, SC. Her Grandmother Varn, along with many aunts and uncles, always made her feel right at home. The cousins found her "quite exotic" due to her extensive travels and youth spent living on military bases. Debra attended Baptist College, now known as Charleston Southern University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. She later earned her Master of Education from The Citadel. She spent many years as a special education teacher in the Charleston County School District, improving the lives of her students. Debra is survived by her two children: a daughter, Susan Marguerite Tatum of Charleston, SC, a son, Bryan Charles Tatum (Katherine) of Roswell, GA; a sister, Denice Coleman Fisher (Mike) of Seneca, SC, a brother, Dennis Varn Coleman (Kendra) of Charleston, SC; one precious grandson, Finley Fitch Tatum of Roswell, GA; nieces and nephews, Kristen Fisher Webb of Newnan, GA, Carrie Fisher Hinnant (Chip) of Fort Mill, SC, Madison Grace Coleman of Atlanta, GA, Mitchell Austin Coleman of Charleston, SC; great nieces and nephews, Hunter and Fisher Webb of Newnan, GA, and Charlotte and Liam Hinnant of Fort Mill, SC. Debra will be dearly missed by her cat, Sully. She will also be remembered for the many golden retrievers she loved and raised. Memorials may be made to Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary (www.halliehill.com). Debra will be memorialized in a private family service.