Issuu

Reflections L ife’s R eflections

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 17:4

Willie Horace Tate enjoyed an abundant and purpose-filled life. He never met a stranger and could find humor in almost any situation. During moments when he was experiencing disappointments or heartaches or impairments, he realized that pleasure and happiness and joy are found deep within the heart and not in life’s circumstances. In almost every situation, he found a reason to praise the Lord.

Tate was born on March 7, 1946, to the late Niagara Jones Tate and Willie Roy Tate. Tate spent his formative years in Orange Mound and was a proud 1964 graduate of “The Melrose High School.” After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Tate was later employed as a truck driver. Following retirement, he became an entrepreneur.

Tate was a faithful member of the Longview Heights SDA Church, where he served in various capacities over the years: Elder, Deacon, Prison Ministry Worker, Sanctuary Choir Member, and usher. In the most recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed Sabbath School Lesson Discussions and his work as a sermon writer, mentor, and coach for Children’s Church. Men’s Ministry was especially dear to him. His love and close relationship with the late Pastor Alfred Hill gave him the honor of being one of the founding fathers of the First SDA Church in Tunica, Mississippi.

Tate is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 37 years – Mary K. Tate. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother: Rickey (Eloise) Tate and his sister: Sophia Shipp. His memory will be cherished by his children: Keshun, Val, Roderick, Willie, Roberta, Joseph (Nicole), Towanda, and Benjamin (Keosha). He will be missed by his 27 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He leaves a brother-in-law: Edward (Alma) Kirby, and a sister-in-law: Geraldine Kilpatrick. Tate enjoyed a special relationship with Janet and Isaac Fordjour, Debbie and Calvin Ratchford, Stella and Terry Keller, Sherri and Ferris Williams, Tammy and Terry Sims, and the entire Longview Heights SDA Church Family. He will forever be remembered and loved by a host of other relatives and friends.

Tate’s parents, two brothers (Bryce and Moton), one son (Warren), and two grandchildren (Sherrod and Brae), preceded him in death.

Tate’s life of dedication and faith in God is a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

The Celebration of Life Elder Willie H. Tate

Tuesday, May 25, 2021 • 11:00 A.M.

Celebration

Brown Missionary Baptist Church 980 Stateline Road

Southaven, Mississippi 38671

Pastor Bartholomew Orr, Senior Pastor

Pastor Alex Horton ~ Officating ~

Prelude

Processional

Scripture Reading..................................................................Pastor Timothy Robinson, Sr. Shekinah Glory Ministries

Prayer.............................................................................Pastor Herbert Kilpatrick (Cousin) Christ Way Outreach Ministries

Musical Selection................................................................Longview Heights SDA Church

Reflections

(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please) Hazel Hawes - Cousin William Johnson - Classmate

Terry Keller - Friend/Church Member

Acknowledgements........................................................................................Florine Jones

Musical Selection.................................Longview Heights SDA

Eulogy...................................Pastor Alex Horton

Closing Prayer....................Pastor Alex Horton

Recessional

~Acknowledgements ~

The outpouring of love and encouragement throughout Tate’s illness and death has warmly touched the Tate family. We are eternally grateful for your countless expressions of love. Our prayer is that God will richly bless you for your demonstration of support during our time of need. Special appreciation and gratitude to the dedicated staff at Baptist DeSoto Hospital – Stepdown ICU especially Nurse Deidre and PCA Chekita.