Luella Marie Smith Tate

Minister Luella Tate,73, transitioned from labor to reward on October 29, 2017, at Sunny Brook Rehab Center after fighting a long hard battle. Luella was born on December 10, 1943, in Johnson County, to the late Elgie and Arthur Smith. She was the youngest of the six Smith children.

She received her education at Lockhart High School and graduated as Valedictorian of her graduating class. She excelled in her studies and continued her education at Shaw University, and also attended Business School at Saint Augustine's College. After her studies she began her professional career as a Corections Officer at the North Carolina Dept. of Corrections. She also worked for the United States Post Office. She began her true passion in life caring for the mentally disabled, and the geriatric population in 1980. She was a successful owner and operator of several Family Care homes in her lifetime. Besides being a successful business woman, her greatest desire in life was to serve the Lord. She dedicated her life to Christ as a young woman. Minister Luella started her service in the ministry at Christ Holiness Church, where she was a faithful member for over 40 years. She transitioned from member to Minster and served in that role until her health declined.

On August 1, 1964 Luella was joined in holy matrimony to the late Harry Lee Tate Sr. They were happily married for over 50 years until Harry departed this life October 16, 2014. Luella was an extremely devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She was beloved by all that came in to contact with her, and was a nuturer by nature. She encouraged her family young and old to give their lives to Christ, because he is the truth, the way and the life. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed as she takes her place in glory.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three children Leisa Tate (Harold Braswell) of Clayton N.C., Carol Tate of Goldsboro N.C., and Harry Lee Tate Jr. (Darkeisha Tate) of Clayton NC. Three Step-children, Jean, Jay, and Troy Tate of Durham NC. Eight Grandchildren, April Tate, Cathy Tate, LeAnthony Liles, Antonio Liles, Harry Braswell, Tyesha Bell, Alicia Tate, and Alyja Tate. Seven Great Grandchildren, Khadijah, Jeriah, Mackenzie, Jaiden, Emmerson, Ayana, and Mason. She is also survived by her three sisters, Hattie Roland of Raleigh, NC, Clementine Smith of Clayton NC, and Elgie "Bea" Whitley (Joseph) of Clayton NC. A host in laws, Marylynn, June, Evelyn, Renee, Cheryl, Brenda, Sandra, Earl, John, Jeffery, and David Scott. She is proceeded in death by her mother and father, Elgie and Arthur Smith, her husband, Harry Lee Tate Sr., and her brothers Oscar and James Smith. She will be missed by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other family and friends.



Visitation:
Sunday, November 05
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Christ Holiness Church No. 1
5016 Hartsfield Dr.
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Funeral Service:
Sunday, November 05
1:00 PM
Christ Holiness Church No. 1
5016 Hartsfield Dr.
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Interment:
Sunday November 05
Forest Hill
Clayton, NC 27520