Audrey Elaine Pate

January 25, 1936 – November 23, 2025

Audrey Shoemaker Pate, age 89, of Childersburg, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, in Childersburg. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her community, Audrey's life was a testament to love, service, and quiet strength.

Born on January 25, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama, Audrey was the daughter of Andrew and Thelma Shoemaker. She grew up in Childersburg and graduated from Childersburg High School, where she was a spirited cheerleader. It was during these formative years that she met the love of her life and future husband, George Pate—her high school sweetheart and best friend. Their marriage spanned an extraordinary 69 years and was marked by unwavering devotion, deep friendship, and enduring love. George affectionately called her “Red,” a nickname that captured her vibrant spirit. He preceded her in death just four weeks and one day before her passing.

Before becoming a mother, Audrey worked as an assistant to Dr. Moody in Childersburg. Once she embraced motherhood, she devoted herself to raising her children until they reached the age of ten. In 1975, combining her talent and passion for golf with a desire to return to work, she began a long career at Coosa Pines Golf Course. She remained there until retiring in the early 2000s. Her skill on the course was remarkable—she achieved five hole-in-ones over her lifetime. Her final ace came at the age of 80 on the par-3 17th hole at Farm Links. Her husband often told their son how he wished they had the means to support Audrey in pursuing a professional golf career.

Audrey’s life extended far beyond family and work; she was deeply involved in civic and community service. She served as a poll worker during elections and was an active member of the Library Board. As a proud member of the Garden Club, she used her green thumb to help beautify Childersburg. She often reminded her granddaughter that “flowers and plants are just like humans—they need love too.” Audrey also loved bowling. One memorable night stands out: upon learning she would be bringing home her baby boy the next day, she bowled a perfect game. When asked how she did it, she simply replied with joy: “I’m just throwing the ball because I am so excited to be getting my baby boy in the morning!”

Her faith was central to her life. Audrey was the oldest living acting member of First Methodist Church of Childersburg, having been part of its congregation for 80 years. Her ministry was one of compassion—she made it her mission to feed those who could not cook or get out to shop for themselves. With a true servant’s heart, she lived out her faith through action.

Audrey’s greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She celebrated their accomplishments with boundless enthusiasm and never missed an opportunity to brag about them wherever she went. Known affectionately as “Grams,” she had a way of making each grandchild feel uniquely special—often slipping money into their hands with a wink and whispering “it’s our little secret.” Her warmth radiated through every smile and gesture.

She is survived by her son George Alan Pate and his wife Laurel (Brasher); daughter Jan (Pate) Kromer and her husband Don; grandchildren Emanuel Kromer (Shasta), Zeke Pate (KiKi), Emmie Edwards (Brandon), Kenneth Kromer (Dawn); great- and great-great-grandchildren Emma Pate, Jasper Edwards, Palmer Edwards, Maddox Kromer, Sawyer Kromer, Paisley Huff, Jackson Huff, Luna Royal, Kathryn Royal, Rocky McDaniel; Lani Huff (Dwayne) and Noah Royal; and sister Linda (Shoemaker) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband George Pate; parents Andrew and Thelma Shoemaker; and siblings Alvin Shoemaker, Wallace Shoemaker, Joyce Williams, Ronald Shoemaker, Carolyn Hassell, Doris Fuller, and Johnny Shoemaker.

Audrey’s legacy is one of love freely given—with compassion that uplifted others and a strength that quietly shaped generations. Some of her final words were spoken to her great-granddaughter Emma: “You are beautiful.” That simple phrase captures the essence of who Audrey was—a woman who saw beauty in others and made sure they saw it too.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her and continue to inspire acts of kindness for generations to come.

A special thank you to Audrey’s Earth Angels: Linda Gaston, Amy Cruea, Melissa Allen Robinson, Natasha Reynolds, Debbie Wright, Fannie Sheppard, & Vicki Bacon. You are one of the ways that God’s love is made manifest on the planet. God Bless You.

A visitation will be held on November 26, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at the Childersburg First United Methodist Church, located at 603 4th St SW, Childersburg, Alabama. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 am at the same location. Audrey will be laid to rest at Greenhill Memorial Gardens on Old Sylacauga Highway in Childersburg.

Serving as pallbearers are Emanuel Kromer, Zeke Pate, Kenneth Kromer, Brandon Edwards, William Fulmer, and Andy Shoemaker.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Audrey's memory may be made to Childersburg First Methodist Church, 603 4th Street SW, Childersburg, AL 35044 US, https://www.cburgfmc.org/ and Rainwater Library.