Sara Geraldine Pate affectionately known as (Geri) was born September 30, 1920 to the late Samuel Douglas and Laura Ann Davis in Salem, Virginia. She was educated in the Carver School System. While living in Virginia, Geraldine was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Salem, Virginia where she was a devoted Sunday School Teacher and sang in the choir.
Geraldine held various jobs in her life-time; her early career began at Bellevue Hospital in New Your, later returning home to Virginia where her passion for children led her to work for the Total Action Program (TAP). In 1955 Geraldine was joined in marriage to Merion Pate. They remained married until his demise in 1972.
Geraldine moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1972 and became a member of Mt. Vernon AME Church where she enjoyed singing in the Regeneration Choir and was an active member of the So-Re-Lite Club until her health no longer prevailed.
She continued her passion for working with children as a Foster Grandparent for The Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Develpmental Disabilities and for The Columbus Board of Education; whether working as a food service worker or teacher’s aide, she enjoyed working with children. Some of her fondest memories were working at 11th Avenue and Trevitt Elementary School. Geraldine retired from The Columbus Board of Education.
Geraldine loved to cook and entertain. She was known for her rum and lemon cakes which she baked with pride. She will always be remembered for her spunky and feisty personality.
On July 27, 2018 at the age of 97, Geraldine Pate was called to eternal rest at her home with family and friends by her side. Geraldine was preceded in death bher her husband Merion Pate; parents, Samuel and Laura Davis; brothers, Floyd and Lafeyette Davis and Thomas Alan Whitlock; sisters, Anna Davis, Olivia Prillerman, Georgia Dimmy, and Laura Dowe and stepdaughter, Elsie Anderson.
Those left to cherish her fond memories are her daughter, Marsha Pate; granddaughter, Brandy Pate (Ike) Akor; grandson, Marshall McArver; great grandchildren, Alaunta, Antoneyo and Antalia Pate, Joaquin Olobatuyi and great-great grandson Ahmareyo Pate all of Columbus, OH; sister in law, Elizabeth Davis of Spring Lek Heights, NJ and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friend.
Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00 noon Wednesday August 8, 2018 at Mt. Vernon AME Church 1127 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Interment at Williams Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke, VA.
To the family of Geraldine, you have my condolences in your loss. Death is never easy for families but God truly blessed her with 97 years of life, as Psalm 90:10 says, “The span of our life is 70 years, Or 80 if one is especially strong.” By means of God’s Kingdom, He promises that humans will be resurrected back from the dead, and will live forever! (John 5:28; Psalm 37:29)
Expression of sympathy for the Pate family.
May your memories console you and may God sustain you, with his precious promise of someday soon reuniting us with our love ones. Hosea 13:14
We are keeping you in our thoughts.
Sincere condolences to Marsha and the entire family. May Gods Grace and Mercy sustain you today, and in the days to come. Let the sweet memories of your mom be of comfort during this difficult time.
Sorry for the loss of Mrs. Pate. You all have my deepest condolences and prayers . May God strengthen you all during your time of sorrow.
To the family of Geraldine,
I had the pleasure of working with Geraldine at Trevitt E.S. She always made me laugh. May the fond memories of Geraldine give you strength during your time of sorrow.
Mamaw I love you and miss you . So many great memories together. Love always