Judy Paulette Tatum Thomas of Mt. Pleasant, TN passed away peacefully at The Bridge on June 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. 

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Dr. Vance Hendrickson officiating. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and from 10:00 to 11:00 on the day of the service. Burial will be at Swiss Cemetery in Hohenwald following the service. 

Paulette was born in Hohenwald, TN on November 7, 1947, to John Thomas Tatum and Estelle Mash Tatum. After attending Hay Long High School in Mt. Pleasant, she went to cosmetology school to become a hair stylist. She began her 42-year long career as a beautician working first for Retha Wood, then with Katherine Williams, and finally made her dream of owning her own beauty salon come true. Her customers became like family to her after doing their hair for so many years. Paulette’s second career was as a night manager for Tietgen’s Cee Bee grocery store in Mt. Pleasant for 26 years. She enjoyed working there so much because of all the people she got to interact with. She mentored many young people who worked at the store with her. She treated them like her own children. She taught them the value of a good work ethic. Paulette was an avid reader and she loved to crochet, but her passion was cooking and baking food for others. Her specialties included bundt cakes, potato salad, pink salad, sweet tea, and fruit tea for everyone in town at no charge. She just enjoyed doing nice things for people. She was a lover of animals. 

Paulette was blessed with some amazing friends. When she moved to The Bridge, she sat at the table with Ms. Lottie Umstead. They became fast friends. The family appreciates the kindness that Ms. Lottie has shown to her. Paulette lived there for 3 years, and the stay became very close with her and her family. She loved living there and we appreciate the care and support that they have shown. She had 3 wonderful friends in Lettie Foster, Diane Thorn and Elaine Steely who remained close to the end. 

Paulette’s family meant everything to her and her love for them was never in doubt. Her relationship with her son was very close and endearing. They were more like best friends. She loved her grandchildren greatly. She was so proud of them and knew that they were going to do something great in this world. Her bond with her big sister, Gerri Ann, was lifelong and remained so to the end. 

Survivors include her son: Kyle Thomas; grandchildren Addison Thomas and Parker Thomas; sister Gerri Ann (David) Edwards; nieces: Renee (Mike) McKnight, Wendy (Kevin) Pennington; nephew, John Edwards, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas Tatum and Estelle Mash Robinson, her sister, Ginger Robinson Tice and nephew, Zachary Haywood. 

Pallbearers will be Jeff Tietgens, Terry ”Turk” Williams, Rodney Massey, Jimmy Lott, Parker Thomas, Brian Buckner, and Lynn “Yogi” Cates. Honorary pallbearers will be John Edwards, Mack Allen, Will Perry, Dr. Reams Powers, and the incredible staff at The Bridge. The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice for their care and compassion during this difficult time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Maury Co. Animal Shelter or Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. 106 Mission Ct. Suite 203 Franklin, TN 37067.

Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thomas family.  Condolences may be shared at www.williamsfh.com