Betty M. Tate

Published 12:36 am Thursday, October 6, 2011

Betty M. Tate, age 66, a resident of 387 Tate Road, Belhaven, N.C., died Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at UHS-Beaufort Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at Washington Assembly of God. Pastor Stephen Evans and pastor David Linton will officiate. Pallbearers will be Barry Langley, Alston Dunbar, Al Midyette, Charles Daniels, Dave Crosby and Billy Boyd. Justin Keyzer will be an honorary pallbearer.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at Washington Assembly of God and other times at the home of her son, 203 Clayton St., Washington. Burial will follow at the Tate family cemetery at Pamlico Beach.

Mrs. Tate was born June 3, 1945, in Beaufort County. She was the daughter of the late Merlin Alfred Midyette Sr. and Eloise Keech Midyette. She was married on Sept. 21, 1973, to Lawrence Jackson Tate Sr. who preceded her in death on April 2, 2006. For many years, Betty helped her husband with his commercial fishing business and he always let it be known that his greatest catch was his wife. Mrs. Tate attended Washington Assembly of God. She loved her family and friends, and all were blessed when in her presence. Spending time with her family was her biggest joy, especially the time spent with her son, Raleigh.

Mrs. Tate is survived by four sons: Kent Keyzer and wife Lyla of Brunswick, Ga.; Lawrence J. Tate Jr. and wife Tammy of Washington; Sam Tate and wife Tamela of Washington; and Raleigh Tate of the home; a brother, Merlin Alfred (Al) Midyette and wife Kathy of Free Union, N.C.; three sisters: Linda Dillon and husband Bobby of Magnolia, Md.; Ruby Respass and husband Durwood of Pantego; Nola Dunbar and husband Alston of Pantego; four grandchildren: Dillon Tate, Devon Tate, Lacey Keyzer, Justin Keyzer and wife Kamela; one great-grandchild, Jayden Keyzer. She was preceded in death by a brother, Merlin Alfred Midyette Jr., and her son, Charley Tate.

Flowers are appreciated. Those wishing to give memorials may make them to James K. Keyzer c/o 669 Mitscher Drive, Brunswick, Ga., for the continuing care of her son Raleigh. You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.pamlicofuneralservices.com.

Pamlico Funeral and Cremation Service of Washington is serving the Tate family.