Obituary

Myrtle Lee Tate

June 30, 1935 - March 5, 2025

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid
up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 

Sister Myrtle Lee Tate was born to the late Nead Tate and Audrey Anthony on June 30, 1935 in Sunny Hills, LA. She departed this life on March 5, 2025, at 6:00 am at her home. 

She joined Greater Hayes Creek Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior under the leadership of Dr. Linwood Bolton, Sr. She worked tirelessly as a member of the Usher Board for many years. She was educated at Washington Parish High School and graduated in 1952. She later attended Southern University for two years, but came back home and settled in Franklinton, LA. She was employed with Rutter Rex for over 30 years until her retirement in 1998. 

She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart. She was deeply involved in their lives and always wanted to make them happy. She loved to cook, and everyone loved her fried catfish, deviled eggs, collard greens, potato salad, and liver and onions. When family came in from out of town, they would always make a request for her to cook her best dishes. She also loved plants; her porch always contained a variety of potted plants. Also, she would never pass a garage sale, goodwill or thrift store without wanting to stop. 

She leaves to cherish her memory: a daughter, Sharon Butler (Paul) of Baton Rouge, LA; her sister Pauline Barbarin of New Orleans, La; six grandchildren, Toya Tate, Travon Harris, Antonio Graves and Antoine Graves, Jr. of Franklinton, LA and Nicole Butler and Tyra Tate Magee of Houston, TX; ten greatgrandchildren, Jalyn, Jyren, Jayla, Jade, Kaden, Taylor, Travon Jr, Talice, Jaeli; cherished friends Edna Lowe, Brenda Partman, Johnnie Jenkins, and the late Ella Ruth Lott. 

She was preceded in death by her mother Audrey Anthony; her father, Nead Tate; her stepfather, Arcell Anthony; her daughter, Toni Graves; her sisters, Ella Mae Bolton, Freddie Mae Harvey and Gloria Dean McNeil; her brothers, James, Willie, Nead and Causey Tate.

A visitation will be held from 9:00AM – 11:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00AM at Greater Hayes Creek Missionary Baptist Church 31499 Hayes Creek Road Franklinton, LA with Rev. Jerome Warren – Pastor Officiating . Interment – Greater Hayes Church Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home - Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.