Nannie L. (Wells) Tatum, 83, of Elizabeth Street, in Shrewsbury, passed away, Thursday, October 23, 2008, in UMass Hospital.

   She leaves her nine loving children, James V. Tatum, Jr. and his wife Miriam of Worcester, Margaret Ashton of Worcester, Khalidah Paskel of Stockton, CA, Tina Tatum of Worcester, Henry Tatum and his wife Valerie of Dudley, Hecliff Tatum of Worcester, Samuel Tatum of Leicester, Spencer Tatum of Worcester, and Barbara Williams of Miami; a brother, Joseph Wells and a sister, Valerie Joy both of Washington, D.C.; twenty eight grandchildren, thirty great grand children; many nieces and nephews.

   Nannie was born in Thoroughfare, Virginia, daughter of the late Henry and Nada (Barbour) Wells, and grew up in Washington D.C., before moving to Worcester and then Shrewsbury.

   Mrs. Tatum worked for Rexnord Machine Company in Worcester, for many years, before she retired. She had previously worked as an elevator operator in the Park Building on Main Street in Worcester. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and enjoyed her family, especially times with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nannie also enjoyed fishing, “The Wonder of It All”, and traveling.

   The funeral for Nannie will be held on Wednesday, October 29, at 11 a.m. in Emmanuel Baptist Church, 717 Main Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, October 28, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.