Earlene Haywood Tate
Earlene Haywood Tate, 85, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, transitioned to her heavenly rewards on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
Earlene was a well-known and loved community activist, mother figure to many and friend to all that met her.
She was honored with the Outstanding Community Service Award by officials and citizens of Chattanooga Hamilton County for many years of unselfish and dedicated service.
Earlene served her community in many capacities, such as community activist and being instrumental in creating programs such as Head Start, the Unity group, the Black Caucus and the Hunger Coalition in the Chattanooga area. She also served as chairman of the Democratic Party and both precincts and vice precinct chair in the courthouse precinct for over 40 years.
She possessed an outstanding work ethic, a friendly attitude, and a willingness to assist anyone. Earlene had an admirable family life which won over everyone with whom she came in contact.
She truly embodied the ideals of a woman of God and an outstanding community servant. She left a lasting imprint on Hamilton County and her community as a whole. She was an active and faithful member of the Church of God of Prophecy for many years, serving as Church mother and many other roles throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter (WC) Tate, Esquire; mother, Evangelist Ella Kincade Thornton Stone; stepfather, John H Thornton, Sr.; brother and sister-in-law, ministers, John H and Priscilla Thornton; sisters, Ella Mae Black, Delois Smith, and Gladys Cofield; stepdaughter, Alicia Langston.
Left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Regina Tate, Vida Tate and Cherretha Tate; five sons, Carlos Tate, Michael Tate, Calvin Tate, Malcolm Tate, and Walter LeVon Tate; two sisters, Wilma Hill and Brenda Amey both of Chattanooga; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Dymple O’Neal; bonus children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will be held from 12-6 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday, Sept. 22.
A 1 p.m. funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Church of God of Prophecy, 1724 Chickamauga Loop, 37421.
Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 423 622-9995.