Mary Emma Dobbs Tate

Mary Dobbs Tate, 93, passed from our life to join our Heavenly Father, March 14, 2012. She was born August 30, 1918, and lived all of her wonderful life in Shenandoah. Mary was happily married December 30, 1939, to John Kenneth Tate, now deceased.

She was the daughter of the late Harry and Cleva Long Dobbs. Preceding her in passing from our life, were her brother, Bill Dobbs, sisters, Clarice Brantman, and Ruth Gallahan, granddaughter, Lynn Tate Dillingham. She is survived by her sister, Diana Graves of Harrisonburg, sister-in-law, Betty Dobbs of Upper Marlboro, Md., her son, Larry and wife Rosa Lee live in Stanardsville, her son, John Ray and wife, Biancia live in Lynchburg. She is also survived by her grandson, Chris Tate of Reston, grandson-in-law, Connor Dillingham, and great-grandchildren, Lyndsey and Peyton Dillingham all of Midlothian, Va. Many nieces and nephews have also contributed to her life of happiness and enjoyment.

Mary graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1937 where she played basketball and was in many school clubs and activities. She enjoyed attending the SHS Banquets for many years.

Although she was raised in the Lutheran Church, she was a member of the First Christian Church for 60+ years. She was very active in her church where she taught Sunday School Classes, sang in the choir, and at times, played the piano for services.

In the 50’s and 60’s, she and Kenneth were very active in the cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was a “stay at home Mom” who loved to develop and coordinate activities for the young people of Shenandoah. She was also active in the Extension Homemakers Club and AARP and enjoyed traveling whenever she had the opportunity. Mary was a member of the Eastern Star for 50+ years and served as the Worthy Matron.

Mary enjoyed decorating our home for each of the holidays. She looked forward to decorating for Halloween and making many of her special popcorn balls. Over the past 60+ years, she frequently had over 100 children and parents come “Trick or Treating”. At times, there were 3 or 4 generations of friendly families visiting. She kept scrap books on the coffee tables for the parents and children to browse through and “find photos of themselves” from many years ago.

She spent the last couple years at Journey’s Crossing in Elkton where she made many friends and received excellent support and fellowship from the staff, friends, and visitors. Thanks very much to each of you for your caring and help.

Rev. Jim Perry will officiate the funeral service at the First Christian Church in Shenandoah at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 17. The family will welcome friends at Lindsey-Kyger Funeral Home in Shenandoah from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 16. Her Eastern Star Sisters will conduct a memorial service during the “receiving of family and friends” Friday evening.

Our family appreciates your prayers, visits, and cards. Thanks for helping Mary Dobbs Tate have such a wonderful and fruitful life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 312 Third St., Shenandoah, VA 22849.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseykygerfuneralhome.com.