Leanne George

1953 - 2025

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13) describes the faith and life of Debra Leanne Tate George. Her journey to heaven was completed Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2025 at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN.

The daughter of Virginia Ann Coffey and Lemuel Hugh Tate, she was born on July 7, 1953, in Hamilton, AL, and lived her life in Myrtle, MS living on Angel Street in her childhood home.

Leanne was a faithful, active member of Myrtle First Church. Throughout her years she served as a Sunday School Teacher, on the Worship Committee, Memorial Chair and Administrative Board, and many other capacities using her creative talents willingly in her beloved church.

She graduated from Myrtle Attendance Center as Valedictorian, receiving many other honors, and was a proud graduate of Northeast Community College where she was selected for Who's Who in America Community Colleges.

After earning an Associate degree, she continued her education at the University of Mississippi, graduating with both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English. She did post graduate work earning extra certifications.

She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and during her years at Ole Miss she was active in stage productions and university theater cultivating her appreciation for literature and the arts.

Mrs. George, as she was known, loved her students, and devoted more than thirty-five years to education, most of them in the New Albany School System, except for a brief time in Kentucky. She was a strong, disciplined teacher, but caring and encouraging, especially for the over-looked, and under-privileged students. Her dedication to teaching and her students was reflected when she was honored three times as Star Teacher of the Year for the State of Mississippi.

After retiring from the classroom, Leanne continued her loyal service to the community as a librarian at the Union County Library -Myrtle Branch, where she shared her love of books and learning with all who entered.

She was passionate and devoted about all community and civic activities and was very patriotic. She served as an officer of the Daughters of the American Revolution, past Board member of the Union County Historical Museum, and recently resigned from the New Century Club due to health issues.

Her many interests and hobbies were antiquing, collecting dolls, and glassware, especially green glassware,, books that made her home like a miniature library, movie, and sports memorabilia and watching Atlanta Braves baseball!

Leanne's memory will be cherished by her son, Laforest Andrew George, her brothers, Lemuel Hugh Tate, Jr. (Diane Stroud Tate), of New Albany, and Murray Tate (Debbie Jobe), of Alpharetta, Georgia. Also, her special nephews, who affectionately called her LeeLee, Reverend Doctor John Hugh Tate, Pastor Josh Tate, Rob Tate, Reece Tate, and Ryan Tate. Bringing her much joy were her great-nephews, Mason, Jack, Logan, Lem, Ethan, and Maddox Tate, and great niece, Lilly Tate.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Lemuel Hugh Tate, Virginia Tate, and her former husband, Laforest George.

Leanne's life was a testament of faith and service to others. Her legacy will be remembered as one of wisdom, mentoring, "favorite teacher," note writer, and unwavering and loving friend.

Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, November 7th, at Myrle First Church, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 12:30 pm, and burial will be in the Gerizim Cemetery.

Pall bearers will be Rob Tate, Reece Tate, Ryan Tate, Mason Tate, William Gladney, Jim Tate, and Tim Gilchrist.

Memorials may be made to the Myrtle Food Pantry, the Union County Library-Myrtle Branch, or Myrtle First Church.

United Funeral Services is honored to be entrusted with these services.