Nora Lee Cook Tate

BURLINGTON - Nora Lee Cook Tate, died at home on Monday, July 16, 2012, after a brief illness. She was happily married and a devoted wife to Dr. Allen Denny Tate Jr. for 63 years, both of whom reside at the Village of Brookwood.
Nora was born in Burlington, in Miss Annie Williams Hospital, on January 1, 1926, to Staley Albright Cook and Grace Lane Cook, both deceased. Staley Cook was the editor of Burlington Times-News, from whom Nora captured her love of journalism. As a senior in high school, she wrote Teen Talk for the local paper.
After graduating from Broad Street High School, Nora attended Women's College of North Carolina in Greensboro, graduating in 1942 with honors.
Nora worshipped at the Graham Presbyterian Church in Graham, where she was active in the Women of the Church, having been president of WOC for several years, and received the 2007 Presbyterian Women Life Member Award.
Being a devoted UNC fan, Nora enjoyed tailgating at football games in Chapel Hill, and shouting "Go Heels" in the Dean Dome.
She was an avid reader, wonderful friend, and coveted her time with her loving family and gave many hours of her life to her community.
Nora was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Historical Book Club of North Carolina, on the Board of Alamance County Historical Museum, serving as President 1978-1980, and co-publishing the museum's cookbook, Taste in Plaid. She was a member of the Alamance Caswell Medical Auxiliary, having served vigorously presenting the Antiques Fair to Alamance County each year. She served on the Board of Burlington Day School, Service League of Burlington, Heritage Book Club, Nine O'Clock Club and the Topper Club.
A charter member of the Alamance Country Club, Dr. and Mrs. Tate celebrated their wedding reception there, which was the first reception after the completed construction.
Nora was a loving wife and mother, who put her family first! She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, cheering on their many accomplishments. Her family will always hold precious memories of gathering for holidays and special occasions...until recent years, Nora had always celebrated her birthday by standing on her head!
She was able to spend this past July fourth week at her beach condo at Atlantic Beach, enjoying the ocean she loved, and experiencing meaningful family fellowship.
Nora was preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister, Nancy Cook Moore; and oldest son, Allen Albright Tate.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Allen Denny Tate Jr.; son, Dr. Denny Cook Tate and wife Cynthia, of Burlington; daughter, Sallie Grace Tate and Ashley Dotger of Davis, California; three grandchildren, Katherine Grace Tate McGee and husband MacGregor of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Elizabeth Ann Tate and Allen Denny Tate III, both of Raleigh.
Serving as pallbearers will be nephew, Dr. Stephen Irwin Moore III, Dr. Chapman Teague McQueen, MacGregor Lambert McGee, Harold Lindsay Amos, Lacy J. Madkins and grandson Allen Denny Tate III.
The family is eternally grateful for the care provided by Lacy and Joyce Madkins, and Claudia McKenney.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Graham Presbyterian Church with Dr. Steve Braswell officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Rich and Thompson, Burlington, on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 from 5 until 7 p.m. and at other times, at the residence, 1880 Brookwood Ave., Apartment 305, at the Village of Brookwood, or at 216 Wexford Place, Burlington.
Memorials may be made to Alamance County Historical Museum, 4777 South Highway 62, Burlington, NC 27215 or to Graham Presbyterian Church, 216 West Harden Street, Graham, NC 27253.
Online condolences may be made at www.richandthompson.com.