Sister Evelyn Tate

Sister Evelyn Hamilton Tate was born March 4, 1932 in Choudrant, Louisiana, to the late Iley Hamilton and Lucille Simmons. On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, God called his faithful servant peacefully home to rest. She was one of the first set of twins born into the Simmons family. She attended Ouachita Parish School where she completed her high school diploma and went on to Carrol Beauty School and Sister Evelyn obtained her beautician’s license. Evelyn confessed Christ at an early age at Jerusalem Baptist Church, Louisiana. In later years, she became a member of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Denver, Colorado, under the leadership of Pastors Earnest Jones and Henry Chapman. Evelyn served as an active member in numerous leadership roles and as an Usher until her death. She was preceded in death by her beloved twin brother Edward Hamilton, sister Bertha Lee Hamilton and son Darryl L. Hamilton.

Evelyn was taught by her grandmother Leona Carter Simmons how to pick cotton, raise livestock and vegetables on the family farm, how to sew making clothes and quilts, how to cook, iron linens and clean a house – And oh how well she did each and every task. She took all her grandmother’s teachings and in 1957, Evelyn set out to relocate in Denver, CO. She worked various domestic positions. She continued using all her knowledge and skills. Evelyn could prepare a banquet, set and serve a table for the most elite.

Although this snapshot of Evelyn's life cannot hold all of her God given service contributions, she was dedicated to the community and volunteer work. She last volunteered at Agape Christian Church for 25 plus years where she prepared food bags and hot meals for the homeless. Community service gave her the greatest joy and completed her life. She believed in serving and serving is what she loved to do.

Evelyn was completely devoted to her children and made sure they were grounded in the community and active in school and church. She paved the way for each of her children to pursue higher education. She never missed an awards assembly, football game, band or orchestra concert, dance recital or drill team event or parade. She was determined to be all that she could be to her children, because they meant more than the world to her.

She leaves to cherish her memory and to carry fourth her legacy of strength, courage, and perseverance her three children: Gregory Royce Reed (Octavia), Terri Reed and Lisa Tate Clardy (Andrew). Her grand children Ordell Candler (Laticia), Lorenza Armstrong (Danielle), Dominique Jones (Vincent), Lexis Tate Sr. (Tiffany) and Royce A. Reed. Great grand children Alisha and Brandon Candler, Lexis Tate Jr., Ehvangeline Armstrong and her twin granddaughters Vanessa and Naomi Jones.

She also leaves 8 nieces and nephews, 24 great grand nieces and nephews, and a host of great great grand nieces and nephews. Other survivors include special friends and relatives, Annie M. Allen, Tina Hunter, Margaret Johnson, Rev. Henry and Alana Chapman, Rev. Ernest and Edna Jones, Sisters: Laycene Cooper, Effie Washington, Margaret Woods and Joy Beasley.