Margaret G. Tate

Margaret Gnell Tate was born April 27, 1935 (Sunrise) and passed to God’s Glory on January 3, 2022 (Sunset). Margaret was the youngest of two daughters, born to Pretus & Matilda Dawkins, in Farmersville, LA, a well-known entrepreneurial family specializing as a cement contractor.  Margaret graduated with honors from Farmerville High School in 1953 and matriculated to Grambling State University in Grambling, LA at 17 years old where she met her future husband, Willis Tate.

Margaret got a jump start in learning the concept of Business Operations by being exposed to her father’s company. Margaret accepted Jesus Christ in her life at a very early age and joined the Blooming Grove Baptist Church in her hometown. She was a faithful participant in the youth church activities.

At 20 years old, before his military departure to Korea, the two wed on New Year’s Eve in 1956.  They shared a God blessed marriage of 65 years. In 1957, the couple relocated to Seattle, Washington and expanded their family with four (4) sons – Reginald (Reggie), Stanley (Stan), Keith and Brett Tate.

Margaret and family have been long-term residents of the Seattle metropolitan area and of Mercer Island, WA for over 50 years. In keeping with their commitment to Christ, Margaret and her husband Willis found a church home by joining the People Institute Baptist Church. Margaret was passionate about pursuing educational opportunities and above all pursuing a spiritual environment for her family.

Margaret loved her church pastor Rev. Robert L. Manaway & the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church (TMBC) family. She and her family have been members since  1972. Margaret served as the Founder and Editor of the TAB Newspaper at TMBC for several years and helped to train some youth in publication of articles.

Margaret worked at the Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP), graduated with honors on the Dean’s List with an academic scholarship in June, 1974 from Seattle University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, worked at the SOIC Urban Renewal Project in 1975-1977, then worked for the King County Building & Land Development (BALD) Administration as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of BALD, for over 20 years and retired in 1997; then as Corporate Secretary for B&G Maintenance Co., in Washington, D.C. The family’s B&G business was recognized in the Black Enterprise Magazine on more than one occasion. Margaret served as an Administrative Assistant during the inception developmental stages of the Odessa Brown Children Clinic, which was under the management of Dr. Blanche Lavizzo.

Margaret served passionately in supporting civil rights organizations. She was a lifetime member of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, the NAACP (National Association of the Advancement of Colored People). She was also a strong supporter, member and contributor of the Blacks In Government (BIG), which is a regional organization (AK, ID, OR and WA) and co-founded by her husband.

Many who remember Margaret will be reminded of her love for God, family, fashion, generosity and support in the enhancement of a quality life for others.

Margaret was peacefully called upon to the Lord in the presence of her loving husband, Willis Tate and their four sons, Reginald, Stanley, Keith and Brett.

Additionally, she is survived by eight (8) grandchildren Yahnnica Tate, Christopher Tate, Jolie Tate, Rhynn Tate, Jaelin Tate, Nia Tate, William Tate and Jordan Tate; daughter-in-laws Jacqueline Tate, Gatty Tate; former daughter-in-laws Rochelle Gayton-Tate, Sheri Tate; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews; and numerous family, friends and dignitaries domestically and internationally!

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