May 19, 1947 — March 19, 2021

Devoted educator, wedding planner, loyal friend

Beverly Harolyn Riley Tatum was born May 19, 1947, in Pittsburg PA, the only child of Sara Parker and Harold Riley. Following her parents’ divorce, Beverly’s mother, Sara relocated the family to Cleveland, OH along with Beverly’s grandmother, Beula Taylor Parker and her cousin Freida Taylor.  Beverly attended the Cleveland Public Schools from the third grade until her graduation from John Adams HS in 1965.

Beverly majored in Home Economics at Ohio University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1970.  She graduated from OU in 1970 with a BS degree and began working as a pre-school teacher in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Early Childhood Education program. Earning a master’s degree from Cleveland State University in 1975, Beverly eventually served as a coordinator in the Childhood Development Program, supervising 27 classrooms. She retired from CMSD in 2009 after a 39 year career.  Post-retirement Beverly worked as a nutrient researcher in the Childhood Obesity Prevention Project at Cleveland State.

Beverly was known for her strong Christian faith and devotion which sustained her throughout her life.  An active and faithful member of East Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in her later years she also became an associate member of South Euclid United Church of Christ after her goddaughter, Rev. Courtney Clayton Jenkins, became senior pastor.  She was an active membership at both churches simultaneously.

Beverly met her life’s love, Floyd Tatum, at a Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators event.  They were married February 22, 1986 in Cleveland and chose to become urban pioneers, settling in the Hough neighborhood.  Beverly and Floyd loved to travel by car and train across the country to visit family and friends.  No destination was too far.  In 2009 they traveled by train to Washington, DC to attend the first inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Beverly was an avid reader who loved the spoken and written word.  She enjoyed watching Jeopardy and murder mysteries on television.  Her greatest joy was creating exceptional special events that turned her clients’ dreams into reality. She established Bride-to-Be Consultants after received her certification from the Association of Bridal Consultants and coordinated weddings for more than 40 years.

She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, having pledged Epsilon Iota Chapter at OU in 1969.  She remained active in the Greater Cleveland Alumni Chapter when she returned to Cleveland.  She was also an active member of CHUMS, the Urban League Guild, Ebony Bobcat Network (OU), and the Orchid Dinner Group.

Beverly was a caregiver for many years for her beloved grandmother, her mother Sara, and her cousin Freida, all of whom preceded her in death.

Beverly was renown for the constancy with which she supported her family and her friends and their children.  Her two goddaughters, Lindsay and Courtney, held a very special place in her heart.   She was always there for them from their early years and all the special milestones in their lives.  She was a supporter and mentor to numerous young people who regularly sought her guidance and advice, and stayed in touch with many of her students, even journeying to Chicago to see one of her elementary school pupils receive a Ph.D.

Beverly died March 19, 2021, survived by her loving husband Floyd, a daughter, Arlinda Tatum Halsell, goddaughters Lindsay Clayton Jenkins and Courtney Clayton Jenkins, and many loyal family members and friends.

The funeral service was held today at South Euclid UCC and was live-streamed. A video of the service  may be viewed here.

A scholarship in Beverly’s name will be established for Ohio University undergraduates. Those wishing to contribute may send checks payable to Floyd Tatum in c/o Ebony Bobcat Network PO Box 21515 South Euclid OH 44121.

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