Betty Lou Tate Quillen, age 83, of Kingsport, TN, was born in Yuma, VA, on January 20, 1943. Betty passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, from a brief illness (complications from pneumonia). She was the daughter of Sallie Housewright Tate and John Kyle Tate, Sr. Growing up, her favorite thing was climbing trees and playing with siblings and cousins. She attended Yuma School.
Betty is survived by a sister - Janice Jennings; nieces - Kathy Sawyer (Dooley), JoEtta Vanover (Robert), Linda Reese (Bubba), and Brenda Loner (Larry); nephews - Rodger Jones and Pridemore Bellamy (Tonya); along with her precious cats Ollie & Molly who loved her dearly.
Preceding her in death – parents, Sallie Housewright Tate & John Kyle Tate, Sr; husband - Fred Quillen; sisters – Jackie Jones & Shirley Kilgoar; brothers – Worley Clinton Tate & John Kyle Tate, Jr.
Betty enjoyed taking the KATS bus to go shopping and talking to the drivers. She loved getting together with family for birthday parties and cookouts. She attended Hillcrest Bible Mission, and one of her greatest joys was attending church and being with her church family.
The family wants to thank the 5th Floor ICU and 3rd Floor Wilcox Hall at Holston Valley for the excellent and compassionate care she received.
There will be a graveside service held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 am at Tate Cemetery off Yuma Road in Gate City, VA.
East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Quillen family.
