Earlene Yvonne Tatnall

Earlene Yvonne Tatnall was 82 years young when she transitioned from this earthly place to her heavenly home to be with the Lord on June 28, 2014. At the time, she was at her home in California, surrounded by family.

She was born into a loving family to Verby C. and Dora Nix on February 4, 1932, in Pigeon Creek, Alabama, the sixth of 7 children. Along with her siblings, her church life began at Solomon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, in Tuskegee, Alabama.

In 1960, Earlene married Franklin Allison Tatnall and to this union two children were born, Dwayne and Twyla.

Earlene was educated at Tuskegee Institute High School and upon graduating moved to New York City to study and pursue a career in nursing at Rockland State Hospital. Encouraged by her older brother Jonathan, she joined him in Los Angeles, CA, where she attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College-Nursing School and earned an Associate's degree and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). She enjoyed a long career in the medical field as a LVN. She was a dedicated nurse and she spent time working and caring for those in her community as well as working with pioneering physicians in women's health.

Following her passion for education, she returned to school and earned a second AA degree in Early Childhood Education from Los Angeles City College. Earlene embarked on her new career in 1973 working for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as a Liaison Administrator. This position allowed her to work with local families and she did so until her retirement in 1982.

Shortly after becoming a California resident, she became a member of Brookins African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church where she served as a member of the choir. Eventually however, she found the perfect fit in New Philadelphia AME where she served the Lord as a proud member and as a beloved mother of the church.

Earlene was a southern lady at heart and she touched the lives of many people with her contagious smile, laughter, supreme style and especially her fondness for beautiful hats. She always maintained her mental strength and sense of pride. She was a lovely rose, a bright, shining star, a caregiver with an untouchable smile, a patient listener, with a kind warm heart. She is free from physical limitations and the memories we have with her will last a life time….

Earlene will forever be remembered by her devoted children: Dwayne Allison (Lisa Renae) Tatnall, and Twyla Veree (Glenn) Ponton. She leaves three siblings to cherish her memory: Jonathan (Shirley) Nix, Camarillo, CA; Ervin (Ruthie) Nix, Houston, TX; and Esther "Dot" Doris Tramell, Niagara Falls, NY. She leaves loving memories with three grandchildren: NaShauni Sharise Ponton, Allison Renae Tatnall, Autumn Renae Tatnall, and a great-niece Kenya Stewart. In addition to nephews, nieces, extended family and a host of relatives, and lifelong friends.

Earlene is preceded in death by her parents, Verby C. and Dora Nix (parents), Ceoma Nix (brother), Azzie Lee Folmar (sister) and Augusta McClain (sister).

Services: visitation will be held Sunday July 6, 2014 3pm - 7pm at the Green Hills Mortuary "Villetta Room" and funeral service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 at Green Hills Memorial Chapel at 11am.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275