She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 14, 1928, to the late Garvis Pettus Lowery and Vennie Mae Lowery. Leona married Walter Ray Tate, Sr., and they shared many years together until his passing in November 2013. A devoted homemaker, she treasured her family and the love they shared.
She is lovingly remembered by her three children, W. Ray Tate, Jr. (Vallarie), Don P. Tate (Sandy), and Donna Leona Walker (Lee); six grandchildren, Trey Tate (Kari), Daniel Tate, Leslie Hoffecker (Tim), Erin Scott (Todd), Ben Walker (Meg), and Christopher Tate (Becca); and eleven great-grandchildren, Barrett, Elaina, Parker, Michael, Clara, Hannah, Tyler, Caroline, Claire, Grace, and Wesley.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum.
Her family will cherish the memories of their beloved “Gran Gran” and the warmth she brought to their lives.
