Carole Jean Colt Tatum, 89, of South Padre Island, was gathered into into the arms of our Eternal Father on June 2nd, 2016, after a brief but serious illness at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, Texas. Her incandescent spirit, enormous wit, and warmth toward all she encountered will never be forgotten. She was born during a snowstorm at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. on Jan. 15th, 1927, the first of 6 children of John W. and Arlene Colt. She was the 8th grade valedictorian of the former Englewood School outside Kansas City, Mo. as well as the May Day Queen, later graduating from North Kansas City High School in 1945. Gifted on the piano and in song, she played at Antioch Community Church as a young woman and continued her musical endeavors throughout her life. After nurse’s training at Providence Hospital and in Denver, she became an R.N., also studying at the University of Mo. in Columbia, serving in the Cadet Nurses Corps, established in 1943 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt during World War II, and later as a Visiting Nurse. She later married Bob Tatum, a young reporter at the Kansas City Star, where her father, John W. Colt, was editor. They went on to have 3 children, Mary Ann, James and Leslie. In the 1970s, she served as a nurse at Trinity Lutheran Hospital, renewing skills learned 30 years prior in her training days. In 1988, she and Bob retired to South Padre Island. Hers has been a familiar face on the Island, from City Council meetings to simply bringing her special brand of cheer to all she encountered. Words cannot begin to describe the breadth of her presence, intellect, and keen sense of the world and those around her. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jim, in 1995, husband Bob in 2005, and brothers Jimmy Colt in 1999 and John V. Colt in 2007. She leaves daughters Mary Ann Tatum White and Leslie Tatum, both of South Padre Island; and siblings Zack Colt, of Shell Knob, Mo.; Bobby Colt, of Lawson, Mo.; and Linda Colt Graham, of Ruston, La. as well as countless nieces, nephews and friends near and far. Even at 89, she left us far, far too soon. ".. For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17 Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Chapel by the Sea, 33425 State Park Rd 100 on South Padre Island, Texas. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bill Waddell officiating the service. A private burial will follow at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to Antioch Community Church, 4805 N.E. Antioch Road, Kansas City, Mo. 64119; or the Island Baptist Church, 107 W. Mesquite St., SPI, Texas 78597. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort or sympathy cards to the family of Carole Jean Colt Tatum at: www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.