Patricia Ann Clark “Pat” Tate

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Patricia Ann Tate, 95, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully at her home in Oxford on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Visitation will be Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church with a Celebration of Life Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s cemetery in Oxford.

Pat was born December 5, 1928, in Jamestown, New York, the daughter of Mary Catherine Clark and Woodruff Burn Clark. She grew up in Schenectady, New York and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School where she was voted Most Popular and served as Class Officer. Following graduation, she worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., where she met the love of her life, William Henry Tate. They were both learning how to identify fingerprints for the Bureau. Pat and William Henry were married in Arlington, Virginia in 1948 and moved to William Henry’s hometown of Oxford where he introduced her to the charms of the South.

Pat worked for the Athletic Department at Ole Miss before helping her husband with his insurance and finance business, which was located either on or near Oxford’s square for over 40 years.

Pat was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church. She served as a volunteer for the Oxford Food Pantry and a Girl Scout Leader. Throughout her life, Pat was blessed with many good friends, and she loved hosting parties to celebrate life’s special occasions. She was creative and bright, and her opinion and help were often sought by family and friends.

Her family is grateful that she had a long life and wishes to especially thank Stephanie Jones of Gentiva Hospice, Ann Norphlet, and Wendy Long. Without their love and support, she would not have been able to spend her last year at her cherished home.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her dear brother, Jack, and her wonderful husband of 71 years, William Henry. She is survived by two daughters, Melne (John) Martin and Michelle (Mike) Sakellariou.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to Oxford-Lafayette County Public Library, 401 Bramlett Boulevard, Oxford, Mississippi 38655.