Evelyn Mae Tucker Tate

In the stillness of an early summer morning, Evelyn Mae Tucker Tate slipped peacefully from this world into the next, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Renaissance Marquis Assisted Living in Rome, Georgia. She was ninety-two years old. Her passing was quiet, like the closing of a beloved hymn’s final note, leaving behind the gentle hush of a life beautifully and faithfully lived.

Evelyn was born on November 9, 1932, to the late Andrew and Beulah Tucker, in a time when the world moved slower and the bonds of family, friendship and community were tightly sewn into the days. She was one of nine children, part of a tapestry of siblings consisting of five brothers and three sisters; all now gone ahead to glory, save for the legacy they left in her memory and the stories she carried.

On August 7, 1963, Evelyn married Bobby Dale Tate, the love of her life. Their marriage was a steady flame, a demonstration of enduring affection and shared devotion. Together they built a home rooted in faith, laughter, perseverance, and the familiar scent of something always baking in the kitchen.

Evelyn was the mother of four children: Patricia Dianne Campfield of Rome, Pamela Lee Gangemi (Al) of San Antonio, Texas, Christopher Tate (Susan) of Rome, and her beloved daughter, Sheila Theresa Farrer, known to all as Terri, who preceded her in death. She spoke often of Terri with equal measures of sorrow and pride, her heart ever holding space for the daughter she could no longer hold.

Evelyn also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren who brightened her later years: Avery Hall, Andrea Sanders,(Clyde) Angelo Iossa (Tina), Alanna Nichols (Ryan), Alicia Gangemi, Garrett Tate, and Griffin Tate. Her joy extended even further to the little ones who called her great-grandmother: Alex Dover, Ariana Iossa, Kalin Iossa, Enso Walter, two great-great grand- children Matteo Iossa, and Olivia Dover. To them, she was not just matriarch, she was memory keeper, lap-giver, and cake-baker, known far and wide in her family circle for her unforgettable Burnt Caramel Cakes.

Evelyn worked for many years at Galey & Lord in Shannon, Georgia, where her diligence and quiet strength earned her the respect of coworkers and friends alike. Yet, her real work, the work of her heart, was found in the halls of Friendship Baptist Church. There, Evelyn's faith unfurled in acts of steadfast service. She served as Church Hostess, sang in the choir, took part in WMU ministries. Evelyn also lent her time and gentle wisdom as a volunteer counselor at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Rome, now known as Haven Health Clinic for Women. Her faith was not a showy thing, but it was as steady and nourishing as spring rain, feeding everything she touched.

In her free time, Evelyn moved between the roles of caregiver, counselor, and cook with effortless grace. Her kitchen was often warm with the aroma of homemade meals, prepared not out of duty but out of love. She found joy in serving others. Evelyn and Bobby, united in both faith and fellowship, spent many sweet days traveling to gospel singings across the region, finding refreshment in the harmony of voices raised to heaven.

In her final days, Evelyn was surrounded by tender care. Her family offers their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted staff of Amedisys Hospice, the compassionate caregivers of Renaissance Marquis, and the skilled nurse practitioners of Graceful Touch who shepherded her through her last season with dignity and kindness.

Services to celebrate Evelyn’s life will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 5:00 PM. Her nephews, Jack Tucker and Bryan Fowler, will officiate, and Jason Brown and Ellen Leonard will offer a song in tribute. A private interment will follow at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, where Evelyn will be laid to rest in the soil of the church she served so faithfully. While flowers are appropriate. While flowers are appreciated Everlyn would have encouraged support of Have Health Clinic or Friendship Baptist Church as she was passionate about both causes. Any donations in her honor for either organization would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are in the care of Good Shepherd Funeral Home, who walk with the family in this sacred hour.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evelyn Mae Tucker Tate, please visit our floral store.