Lula Mae Tate was born on October 25, 1933, to Barney and Amy Lloyd. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family.

On November 23, 1948, she married the love of her life, Rolee Tate, Jr., who preceded her in death. Their union was one of enduring love and commitment.

Lula Mae was educated in Tennessee and faithfully worked at home raising her children. She also worked in the local school district until her retirement. She was known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and for teaching her children valuable life skills that would guide them throughout their lives.

Her love for Jehovah grew when she began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She symbolized her dedication to Jehovah by water baptism on July 3, 1970. She faithfully attended the Arlington Congregation in Arlington, Tennessee, and later, after moving to Ohio, attended the Collinwood Congregation in East Cleveland. She deeply enjoyed field service, pioneering, attending, and commenting at in-person meetings so she could talk with and encourage as many friends as possible—even on the coldest days, including within the last few weeks of her life.

Lula Mae had a remarkable determination to keep learning. She did not let age limit her; she taught herself how to use her iPad, so she could use her favorite JW Library app. Starting her day with daily scriptures was very important to her, she never wanted to skip a day.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing, sitting on the porch, being outdoors, and keeping her yard filled with bird feeders so she could watch the birds. She especially loved gardening with the knowledge of every flower or vegetable you can think of. She was known for her cooking—especially her yams, corn, and cornbread. No one ever left her house without tasting her famous greens and fried chicken. She really enjoyed “Sweet Treats” She treasured the phone calls and visits she received from her dear friends back in Tennessee.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Betty Ragland of Tennessee (preceded in death by her husband, Franklin), and Dorothy Howard of Ohio (preceded in death by her husband, James).

She was preceded in death by her three sons: Harold Tate, Tommy Tate (wife, Dorothy), and Ricky Tate; her sisters: Elizabeth, Josephine, Ella Kate, and Mary; and her brothers: John Allen, James Harvey, James Arthur, William Henry, and Fred.

She also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Lula Mae Tate will be truly missed, but her faith, love, strength, and beautiful example will live on in all who knew her.