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Mary Evelyn Lockamy Tatum, affectionately known as “Moomer”, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 11. As the baby of 9 children, Mary was raised by her loving parents, John Lovett and Lucy Jane Lockamy, on the Lockamy farm in Godwin, North Carolina. 

She was educated as an electronics engineer, retired from Longwood College (now Longwood University), and served as a volunteer and officer of many organizations. Notably, Mary was the only woman to work on the first Jupiter Missile. She was also the keeper of Clairmont, the home she adored and shared with her children and her husband — the love of her life — Nash LeGrand Tatum Jr. 

Mary was loving, kind, and generous, always going above and beyond to help family, friends, neighbors and strangers. She was also, however, a firecracker of a woman who could put anyone in their place when necessary. Her laugh brought joy to everyone around her. Fiercely independent, Mary could do almost anything. She enjoyed taking day trips with family and friends, watching Fox News, and working Crossword puzzles with unmatched skill. She took her children and grandchildren on countless adventures, creating wonderful memories and forging unbreakable bonds. Far beyond her lifelong accomplishments, Mary’s love and devotion belonged to her family. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nash LeGrand Tatum Jr.; her son, Nash LeGrand Tatum III; her grandson, Daniel Lee Tatum; her parents; and her brothers and sisters. 

Mary is survived by her daughters, Jo Ellyn Tatum Smith and Kathi Lynn Tatum Noblin; grandchildren, Emily LeGrande Deavers (Joshua), Ashlee Elizabeth Brown (Tim), Nash LeGrand “Gran” Tatum IV, Tatum McKinney Manbeck (Greg), Lacy Danielle Huddleston (Warren) and Sam Smith (Brandy); great-grandchildren, Haven Nicole Hepburn (Matthew), Joshua Tyler Deavers, Peyton Elizabeth Gutknecht (Edmund) and Brooklyn Grey Huddleston; great-great-grandchildren, Theodore Jackson Gutknecht and Marceline Grace Hepburn; and many nieces and nephews, among them Jennifer, Faye, and Bobby Lee who were very special to her. 

At Mary’s request, a private service for immediate family will be held at White Oak Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Morehead City Fire & Rescue Auxiliary, 1406 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC 28557. Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net. 

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, North Carolina.