Evie Irene Varden Pate, age 96, died at the Atlanta home of her son on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, of congestive heart failure. Born October 28, 1912, at her family’s farm where she was reared, she lived most of her life in Chilton County, Alabama, as did her parents Emmit Franklin Varden and Fabie Malisie Atchley Varden. Mrs. Pate was an active and long-time member first of the Jemison Church of Christ and in later years of the Clanton Church of Christ.
An educator professionally and in her personal life, Mrs. Pate was the first grade teacher parents wanted for their children both for her skills and her desire to see that each of “her children” learned to the best of her or his ability. Her students kept in touch with her long after finishing first grade. She encouraged them to continue their educations and let them know how proud she was of them as they worked to achieve their goals.
Mrs. Pate is survived by sons James L. Pate and Thomas Gerald Pate; daughter Velera Nell Pate; grandchildren Debra Sue Pate, Laura Katrine Pate and Arthur Kenneth Womble, Jr.; daughter-in-law Dorothy Sue Jordan Pate; granddaughter-in-law Teresa Maria Kominos; her beloved niece Evelyn Wilson Ballard; and many other relatives. The family will visit with friends at the Martin Funeral Home, Clanton, Alabama, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2008. Immediately following the visitation, the graveside service will be conducted by Barry Elliott, former minister of the Clanton Church of Christ. Mrs. Pate will be buried next to her husband, Lester Middleton Pate, at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Jemison, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30327-2108; Christian Home and Bible School, 301 West 13th Avenue, Mount Dora, Florida 32757; or a charity of your choice.
Martin Funeral Home, Inc. in charge of arrangements.