Pate, Bessie Mae

Mrs. Bessie Mae Painter Pate of Laurinburg passed away to her heavenly home on Monday, May 09, 2011 at the age 87. Mrs. Pate was born in Scotland County on August 28, 1923. She was the daughter to the late Elijah Thomas Painter and Lois Painter and the beloved wife to the late James Clarence Pate. She was a textile worker retiring from Waverly Mills after 37 years of dedicated service. Mrs. Pate faithfully served the Lord and was a dedicated member of the East Laurinburg Church of God. She loved serving as the teen girls Sunday School Teacher for more than 50 years. Bessie was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. She had a giving heart and was always doing for everyone else. She enjoyed sewing, flower arranging and making scrapbooks. She will be missed dearly but never forgotten and will forever be in our hearts. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Erlington Painter, Remert Painter and Jesse Painter. Mrs. Pate is survived by her sons, James Horace Pate and wife Rhonda of Laurinburg, Paul William Pate of the home; a brother, Paul Painter of Laurinburg; three granddaughters, Tina Allen and husband Melvin, Starr Anne Wethington and husband Billy, Heidi Pate and friend Dexter; seven great grandchildren, Whitney and Hunter Allen, Brandon Ward and wife Gwen, Tinsley and Dylan Ward, Sullivan Sellers, Stevie Locklear; three great-great grandchildren, Bryson Graves, Shayleigh and Marley Ward all of Laurinburg and nieces, Denise Painter and Annette Bowyer. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11th at the East Laurinburg Church of God. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Pate to the East Laurinburg Church of God, P. O. Box 1954, Laurinburg, NC 28353 Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the East Laurinburg Church of God with Rev. Jeffery McGirt officiating. Burial will follow the service in Scotland Cemetery.