Martha Tate

Family-Placed Death Notice

TATE, Martha MARTHA ELIZABETH TATE Martha Elizabeth Tate, 78, a native Georgian whose administrative career in politics and government spanned 54 years with positions in Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and New York, died under hospice care at her residence at Brighton Gardens in Atlanta in the early morning hours of September 28, 2011. She had suffered from Parkinson's Disease for over 20 years. Martha Tate, worked in the press office at the State Capitol in Atlanta before moving to Washington in 1969 to be staff assistant to U.S. Senator Richard B. Russell. Her resume' also included service with Georgia's U.S. Senators David H. Gambrell and Sam Nunn, and Nevada's U.S. Senator Alan Bible. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Tara Gardens Chapel of Jonesboro. Friends described Martha as "an attractive and talented public servant loyal to her employers, respected by her fellow workers and totally committed to working the long hours to make sure the job was done right." Martha and a twin sister, Margaret, were born on April 5, 1933 to Roy and Bertie Tate in Gainesville, Georgia. Martha grew up in Atlanta, and graduated from Roosevelt High School. After attending Georgia State and working for a brief time with Judge Luther Alverson and Congressman Charles Weltner, Martha continued her career in the governmental arena in 1965 when she served on the staff of then lieutenant governor, Peter Zack Geer. Upon his defeat, Martha was asked to continue at the State Capitol. She worked in the press office of Governor Lester Maddox where she was the assistant to Press Secretary Bob Short. She was recognized as one of the fastest typists in the State Capitol and used her skills to put into final form the many speeches and news releases ffrom the governor's office. Political columnist Sid Williams wrote in 1969: "The Governor's Office is losing one of its most capable workers as Martha Tate moves to Washington, D.C." She had accepted a position on the staff of U.S. Senator Richard B. Russell and was his staff assistant until his death is 1971. She worked for a brief time in the office of Russell's successor, Senator David H. Gambrell before moving to the position of Staff Assistant to U.S. Senator Alan Bible of Nevada. When Sam Nunn became U.S. Senator from Georgia, one of the first persons selected to work in his office was Martha Tate and she served as Senator Nunn's personal secretary for five years. In June of 1977, upon the recommendation of President Jimmy Carter, she moved over to the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and was Confidential Assistant to John L. Moore, Jr., President and Chairman of the Board. During a farewell party upon her departure from his staff, Senator Nunn called Martha "A great secretary and a great friend." Richard C. Holbrooke had served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs during the Carter Administration before becoming Vice President of Public Strategies, a consulting firm based in Washington. He chose Martha Tate to be his office manager and assistant. When Ambassador Holbrooke became Managing Director of Lehman Brothers, Martha accepted the opportunity to transfer to New York where she worked until 1987. Martha returned to Washington for work for the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. in 1988 and in 1992 began work with the Senate Library in the State Capitol. She retired and moved to Brighton Gardens in Atlanta in 2006. With Parkinsons Disease taking its toll, two of her devoted longtime friends, Mary Beazley and Ann Grant provided many hours toward Martha's well-being. Martha Tate is survived by her twin sister, Margaret Spencer (Bill) of Richmond, VA and a brother, Michael Jennings (Darlene) of Hampton, Ga. Nieces: Susan Cheevers, Shawnna Gossett (Jeremy); nephew: Chris Jennings. Throughout her years in Washington, D.C., Martha was involved in the activities and leadership of the Georgia State Society, and served as the groups Recording Secretary. She also gave many hours of her time to community service, working with an Adult Literacy Program. It is known that she was successful as a tutor, teaching a thirty year old woman to read. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 12-2PM at Tara Garden Chapel 681 North Ave. Jonesboro, GA 30236 770-471-7171. Services honoring Mrs. Tate will be on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 2PM in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Matthew Tuggle officiating. Interment will follow the service at Camp Memorial Park in Faryetteville, GA. Online condolences may be made at www.taragardenchapelfuneralhome.com.