Ms. Audrey Jean Tate

Audrey Jean McDavid, the daughter of Harold and Pearl Lewis McDavid, was born May 3, 1940, in Brooksville, Mississippi. She graduated from the Noxubee County School System in Mississippi. Upon graduation, she married the late Thomas Tate. The couple migrated to Youngstown, Ohio during the great steel mill and auto industry era. Their union was blessed with three children: Thomas, Valerie and Jeffrey. A dedicated and loyal employee, Audrey worked in sales, customer service, and eventually found her passion as an assembly employee with Packard Electric, a division of General Motors. Her intellect, tenacity and attention to detail gained her numerous promotions. She retired from Packard Electric following more than 30 years of faithful service. Affectionately known as Ms. Audrey, she was the pillar of the community. Yes, she was that sister, auntie, cousin, and neighborhood mom from the Sharonline to Lincoln Knolls communities in Youngstown. She was an incredible cook, with bragging rights, too. Neighbors would come from miles away to enjoy her bar-b-que and special sauce. She had quick wit, no filter, and she boldly protected her children and the ones she loved. Known as a first-class fashionista, her keen eye for what is pleasing to the eyes led her into home renovation. Her specialties were bedrooms, basements, kitchens and sunrooms. Ms. Tate loved the Lord. She actively served at Price Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Youngstown. She was a member of the Mass Choir, Pastor’s Aide Board, and a Missionary. One of the highlights in her life happened when her daughter Valerie accepted her call to preach God’s Word. Mother Tate knew God’s hand was upon Valerie during childhood. She was proud to be the mother of such an anointed woman of God who accomplished much in a field dominated by men. In 2016, Ms. Tate relocated to Covington, Georgia. In 2022, Valerie was assigned to pastor Westside Community CME Church. After transferring her membership from Price Memorial, she became a proud member of Westside. Mother Tate’s reminded Valerie that although she was now her pastor, never forget she was her daughter first! Audrey Jean McDavid Tate departed this life early Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024. Her loving children, who cared for her throughout her health challenges, were by her side. As she left for her new home, the medical staff of Piedmont Newton exclaimed, “Oh, your mom was a fighter!” And so, we exclaim with great joy, “She fought the good fight, finished the course, and she kept the faith.” Her parents, Harold and Pearl McDavid, siblings Louis McDavid, Thomas McDavid, Howard McDavid, Maude Duncan Simbler, Clifford McDavid, Bennie McDavid, Claude McDavid, George McDavid and Larney McDavid preceded her in death. To cherish many precious memories are her children: Thomas (Daphney) Tate, Rev. Dr. Valerie Tate Everett, and Jeffrey (Cynthia) Tate. Grandchildren: Sylvia McElroy, Tara (William) Woods, Jamaal (Candice) Green, Aaron Tate, Gregory Tate and Aaron Baker. Great-Grands: Shalynn McElroy Banks, Kejuan Banks, William (Tre), Prince and Layla Woods. Logan, Jade and Kori Green. Siblings: Harold (Lula) McDavid, Mrs. Fannie Jones, Herman (Anne) McDavid, and Robert McDavid; and many relatives and friends that loved her.

Tributes

Ms. Audrey Jean Tate

May 3, 1940 - September 3, 2024