Oma Ethelene Tate

Oma Ethelene Bain Tate, age 91, of Flint, Texas, joyfully entered the presence of her Savior on May 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, deep love, homemade pie, and treasured family traditions that will live on for generations to come.

Born on January 4, 1935, to Amos Hopkins “Hop” Bain and Mary Lula Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wallace Bain in Bullard, Texas, Ethelene was raised on Bain Hill, a place rich with family roots and lifelong memories where many of her loved ones still reside today. She carried the values of faith, hospitality, hard work, and family with her throughout every season of her life.

On March 2, 1954, she married the love of her life, Billy Joe Tate, in the original white chapel at Flint Baptist Church. Ethelene never tired of telling the story of the evening they fell in love — walking, talking, and losing track of time together. Their love story became the foundation of a beautiful life and family that spanned decades and generations. Together, they raised three children: Kevin, Kim, and Karen.

Ethelene and Billy Joe were proud, faithful members of Flint Church of Nazarene, now Flint Community Church. Her faith in Jesus guided every part of her life. She faithfully served in the church nursery for many years, lovingly caring for babies as though they were her own. She found joy in worship, especially through the timeless hymns she loved to sing along with from her pew at church or around her home.

To those who knew and loved her best, she was simply “Nana.” That title extended far beyond grandchildren — friends, neighbors, and extended family alike were welcomed into her heart and home. Being Nana was one of her greatest joys. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever remember back scratches before bedtime, homemade peach ice cream, movie rentals, Baked Alaska, morning “coffee,” bedtime stories, “Good Stuff” and the comforting feeling of always being loved and cared for in her presence.

Ethelene had a gift for making people feel at home. Whether through a warm hug, a hot cup of coffee, or a fresh-baked pie cooling on the counter, she ministered to people through kindness and hospitality. If she saw a need, she quietly filled it — often with food, fellowship, and love. Her pies became legendary among family gatherings, church fellowships, holiday dinners, and community events, often delivered by hand with a smile. To know Ethelene was to know that there was always room at her table and always another slice of pie waiting.

She also found joy in life’s simple pleasures: traveling with her sisters, sightseeing, searching through garage sales with her trusty coin purse in hand, and making memories with family everywhere she went. From time spent at Cape Royal on Lake Livingston, to deer lease trips to Tilden and shopping excursions to Jefferson and “Fanny Farkles.” Ethelene embraced every adventure with gratitude and joy. Above all else, Ethelene loved Jesus, loved her family fiercely, and lived a life marked by service, compassion, and unwavering devotion. She truly made the most of her 91 years, filling them with faith, laughter, music, family traditions, and countless cherished moments.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her beloved husband of 44 years, Billy Joe Tate; her parents, Hop and Lizzie Bain; brothers Loyd Bain, James Bain, Joe Bain, Floyd Bain, Robert Bain, Herman Bain, H.L. Bain, and Bill Bain; and sisters Melba Neely, Dollie Taylor, and half-sister Velma Horton. Left to carry on her beautiful legacy are her children: Kevin Tate and Tamara of Bullard; Kimberly Anderson and Philip of Flint; and Karen Colston of Tyler; sister Margie Ralson and Clifton of Flint; brother David Bain of Tyler; grandchildren Conan Colston of Bullard, Dustin Tate and Amanda of Hallsville, Kolton Tate and Shelby of Frankston, Callie Foshee and Riley of Lindale, Derek Anderson and Kayte of Tyler, Haley Middleton of Tyler, Jordan Colston and Miles of Whitehouse, Bethany Anderson and Clint of Bullard; Chelsea Wade and Camdyon of Arp, Lanie May of Bullard, beloved niece Dianne Taylor Phillips of Tyler, along with many deeply loved great-grandchildren, extended family members, church family, and lifelong friends.

Though she will be deeply missed here on earth, the love, faith, traditions, and memories Ethelene created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a beautiful reminder that the sweetest legacies are built through faith, family, kindness, and love — and always, always pie.