Edna Lucas Tate

EDNA L. TATE CROWN POINT, IN Edna Lucas Tate, 96, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2015 at Vibra Hospital of Northwest Indiana, in Crown Point, IN. She was born on September 13, 1918 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Ardell and Margaret Lucas. Her maternal grandparents, William and Elvira Hawkins raised Edna from an early age in Harrisonburg, VA. She attended and graduated from Effinger Public School. After high school, she worked at Effie Ann -Johnson Day Nursery, King Daughter's Hospital, and Mary Baldwin College before retirement in 1984. Edna married Joseph L. Tate and at the time of his death, in 2000, they had been happily married for 60 years. From this union two daughters were born, Maleda Tate Cox and Patricia Tate Turner. She was a resident of Staunton, VA for greater than 70 years and an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. In addition, she enjoyed being a member of the Hi Fi Social Club and volunteering for the Salvation Army. Edna was an inspiration to us all after winning her battle with cancer twice in her lifetime. She went on to become a spokesperson and fundraiser for cancer research to help others in their fight. Edna is preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Elvira Hawkins; her parents, Ardell and Margaret Lucas; her beloved husband, Joseph L. Tate; a daughter, Maleda Tate Cox; and sister, Maleda Wall. Edna leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted daughter, Patricia (Henry) Turner of Crown Point, IN; two nieces Mary Gillison and Valerie Venable; five nephews, Robert Gillison, James Gillison, Clinton Davis, Kevin Henderson all of Virginia, and Ernest Henderson of California; a special great nephew, Jaron Venable; loyal healthcare companion, Carol Covington and other loving family members and friends. A funeral service will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 603 N. Augusta Street, Staunton, VA on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral at Oaklawn Mausoleum & Memory Gardens. A reception will immediately follow the interment at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Family visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Henry Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, VA.