Genova Tatum

In Loving Memory of Genova “Tate” Tatum

GENOVA DOUGLESS TATUM 71, was called from labor to reward on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, VA surrounded by his wife, daughter and friends of the family. Genova was affectionately known to many as “Tate” and “Geno”. Tate was the youngest child of four born to Sarah Tatum and William Tatum on January 11, 1953. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother, Willima Tatum, Jr. and sisters Margie Spencer and Christine Shelton. He attended public school and graduated from Martinsville High School in 1971. Tate entered the United States Army at the age of 22 and served active duty from 1975-1978. He toured overseas in Germany from January 1976 to December 1977, where he trained as a power generation and wheel vehicle mechanic. Upon ending active duty, he remained in the Army Reserves until May 1981. Following an honorable discharge from the Military he found employment at the Hampton Coliseum, where he worked as the operations manager for over 35 years. Tate worked countless concerts and events and was able to meet many entertainers throughout his tenure there. He became a valuable employee, even after his retirement in 2028, frequently getting house calls to help staff run events and manage the building. He continued to work part time at the Coliseum until his health no longer permitted him in 2023.

In 1986 Tate met the love of his life, Gloristine Brown whom he dated for five years before marrying her on November 9, 1991. Four years later the couple welcomed their first and only child, Genae Christina Tatum. Tate was the definition of a true family man. He occasionally attended Little Bethel Baptist Church with his family until May 5, 2024, when he dedicated his life to Christ and became an official member of the church. His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In his spare time, Tate enjoyed taking his boat out to joy ride with friends, fixing any and everything, capturing memories at events and gatherings with his camera, playing chess, watching movies and Sci-Fi TV series, traveling and hosting cookouts with family and friends. He was a die-hard Commanders fan and enjoyed watching the weekly games.

Tate leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 33 years Gloristine, daughter Genae (Khalil), one goddaughter Christy Godwin (Javon), two brothers in law; Glenn Brown (Brenda), William Shelton, Sr., two sisters-in-law; Annete Boyce and Stella Brown, 14 nieces, 5 nephews, a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and his adopted mother Mary Wilson.

He was a friend to many and foe to none. Despite several surgeries and tests, he kept a positive attitude. His motto was “I gotta do, what I gotta do” whenever he faced a challenge. Tate was a genuine person with a boisterous laugh and was always willing to help anyone that he could. He will truly be missed, and he will leave on in our hearts forever.

On Monday, December 30, 2024 viewing will take from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1200 on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Little Bethel Baptist Church 6533 Everets Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434.  Interment will be in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Cemetery.  Please keep the Tatum family in your prayers.