Mary Helen Shepherd Tate

He came and stood beside her. God whispered,

“Come and rest.”

God saw the road was getting rough. The hills were hard to climb.

He gently closed her loving eyes and whispered,

“Peace be thine.”

Mary Helen Shepherd Tate (Sis) was the second of eight children born July 17, 1937 in Gloster, MS from the matrimonial union of Russell Shepherd and Ellen Thompson Shepherd.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Centreville, MS under the leadership of the late Rev. Luke White. As a young adult, she became a member of Rock Zion Baptist Church and later joined St. Jude Apostle Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA. She faithfully attended Family Worship Center until her health failed.

Mary was united in holy matrimony to Willie B. Tate on February 26, 1961. To this union, three children were born.

Mary went to Amite County Training School in Gloster, MS. After graduation, she attended Southern University of Baton Rouge where she received her degrees; Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Master of Education in Secondary Education and Master in Education plus 30. She also received certification to be a School Counselor in the State of Louisiana. She pursued further career advancement from Louisiana State University and Nichols State University.

She began her career path as a Secretary in the Biology Department at Southern University. She later received a position as a Business Teacher in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System where she devoted over 35 years educating America’s youth. In addition, Mary was a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) advisor where she prepared students for business and business related careers.

Mary was also civically and socially involved in many organizations, including Females Organized Civically- United Socially (FOCUS), Les Gayettes Social Club and Zeta Phi Beta Mu Chapter Sorority.

One of her greatest pleasures was having her family together. She was a God fearing woman with a kind and gentle spirit who was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer sound advice predicated on her beliefs in God. Her heart and her home were always open. If she was upset about anything, you would never know because of her calm demeanor. Every holiday, Mary was well known for preparing delectable homemade cakes such as Italian Cream Cheese, German Chocolate and Lemon Cream Cheese Pound as well as savory cornbread dressing. She continuously encouraged friends and family to try healthy eating.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at approximately 8:15 pm, God in His infinite wisdom called Mary Helen Shepherd Tate from labor to rest.

Mary leaves to cherish her loving memories; her devoted husband of 54 years, Willie B. Tate; two sons, Kevin G. and Kerry W. Tate; one daughter, Charisse Tate Harris (JC) of Baton Rouge, LA; seven grandchildren, Brandon of Luke Air Force Base, AZ, Brittany of Houston, TX, Crystal of Shreveport, LA, Christopher of Jeanerette, LA , Christian and Philip of New Iberia, LA and Jalen of Baton Rouge, LA; three sisters, Rosa Mary Chapman, Mamie Lee Neyland and Celestine Turner of New Orleans, LA; two brothers, Ruffus Shepherd of Baton Rouge, LA and Walter Louis Shepherd of New Orleans, LA; two godchildren, Diarra Turner of Dallas, TX and Alicia Shepherd of Houston, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mary will be greeted in glory with those who proceeded her in death; her father, Russell Shepherd; mother Ellen Thompson Shepherd; brothers, Clarence Shepherd and Hardy “LK” Shepherd.