Nell Tate

Dec. 31, 1921 - Jan. 2, 2017

Nell Atkins Tate, passed away in Birmingham two days after her 96th birthday. She was a beautiful and spirited — some would say feisty —woman, with a ready smile and a wicked sense of humor.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie Jackson Atkins and Grace Lovett Atkins; husband, Grover Tate; and brothers Mitchell Atkins and Paul Atkins. She is survived by her beloved sister, Verda Atkins Kelly; daughters Saundra Tate Holt (Darwin) and Melissa Tate (Sid Burgess); son, Tom Tate (Shiree Cooper); grandchildren, Tate Holt Maddox (Brad), Lizzie Holt, Jackson Tate (Jessica), Brittany Burgess Feld (Aaron) and Grace Burgess; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Nell was a Walker County native who worked at the TCI Commissary during WW II . After marriage and motherhood, she and “Tate” moved to Birmingham. She loved music and was a talented, self-taught pianist and a choir member at West Haven United Methodist Church for many years. Later, at Vestavia Hills United Methodist church, she enjoyed Circle and modeling in fashion shows. She loved gardening, sewing, painting and making “flat-cheese” sandwiches for her grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 4, at noon at Edgewood Presbyterian Church, 850 Oxmoor Road, 35209 in Homewood, with a 1 p.m. Service of Witness to the Resurrection. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Genau will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Sidney Burgess. Donations to the Edgewood Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund are requested in lieu of flowers.