Mary Ann Tate
2/2/1928 - 6/22/2017
Mary Ann Tate, 89, of Lake Jackson, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017, while surrounded by her loving family. Mary Ann Smith was born in Oilton, Oklahoma to Montie and Lenora (Cotner) Smith in 1928. She graduated from Seminole High School in 1946. Ann was named "Miss Seminole" in July of 1948 and placed third in the Miss Oklahoma Beauty Pageant.
She married the love of her life, George Frank Tate, on June 2, 1949 in Seminole, Oklahoma and soon after moved to Lake Jackson, Texas. She worked at the Dow Badische Company while raising her three children. During that time, she also opened and operated her own dress shop called "Ann's." In 1995 Ann began volunteering on a regular basis at Brazosport Cares and in 1997 she assumed the duties of Director where she worked with churches, schools, and Boy Scouts to set up food drives. She was able to secure funding for Brazosport Cares by working with Brazoria County businesses and individual donors. Her hard work and dedication was rewarded in 2009 when the Mayor and City Council of Lake Jackson proclaimed May 18, 2009 as "Ann Tate Day."
She led an exemplary life that touched so many people in extraordinary ways. On July 21, 1998, she received the Sisters of Service award from Abilene Christian University. The award was given to "honor Christian women who have spent years in godly Service and exemplary discipleship."
She is survived by her two sisters, Norma "Tommy" Johnston of Seminole, Oklahoma, and Monta Cross of Littleton, Colorado. She is also survived by her three children, Paula Garrett, and husband Dennis of Angleton; Rick Tate, and wife Teresa of Sargent; and Mike Tate, and wife Lori of Lake Jackson.
Seven grandchildren: Matthew Garrett, and wife Marissa of New Braunfels; Brian Garrett, and wife Shellie of Lake Jackson; Amanda Garrett-Haynes, and husband Adam of Angleton; Ryan Johnson of Angleton; Lindsay Chancey, and husband Kyle of Sweeny; Leslie Fishbeck, and husband Marcus of Lake Jackson; and Emmi Tate of Houston. Eleven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Montie and Lenora Smith; brother, Bill Smith; and her beloved husband, Frank.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Garrett, Brian Garrett, Adam Haynes and Ryan Johnson.
Services will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017 at the Lake Jackson Church of Christ, 402 Center Way. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Minister Allen Ritchie officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to Brazosport Cares, 916 N Gulf Blvd, Freeport, TX 77541 or IPH Hospice Care, Inc., 190 Abner Jackson Parkway, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.
The family would also like to sincerely thank the hospice team (Lori, Anna, Lettie, Carol and Mr. Richie) that cared for Mary Ann like she was their own.
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