Elaine (Pilgrim) Tatum

Elaine N. (Pilgrim) Tatum, age 97, of Battle Creek, passed away on February 7, 2019.  She was born on November 16, 1921 in Battle Creek, the daughter of George and Eva (Rankin) Pilgrim.  Elaine graduated in 1939 from Battle Creek Central High School, later receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1944 and Master of Science Degree in 1977 from Western Michigan University.  She was a teacher from 1944 to 1946 with the Kalamazoo Public Schools,  from 1948 to 1950, and 1959 until her retirement in 1976 with the Battle Creek Public Schools.  She was united in marriage on June 21, 1946 to Vernon I. Tatum, he preceded her in death on July 1, 1991.  Elaine was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, where she was formerly a  Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and elder.  She was a member of the Battle Creek Teachers Association and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.  Elaine in her free time enjoyed; Music, sewing, needlepoint, traveling, gardening and stamp collecting.  Surviving are her children; George A.  (Karen) Tatum of Plainwell, Paul V.  (Laura) Tatum and Arlene Tatum Greenlee, both of Kalamazoo, grandchildren; Allison, Arielle, Alandra, Angela, Eric, and three great grandchildren.   Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., Rev. Patricia Weatherwax officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org