Deka Tate

Virginia Lee "Deka" Tate, age 82 of Banner Elk, NC passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Deka was born on April 3, 1942 in Pulaski, Virginia to Hurst and Hazel Lambert. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke, VA and attended Greensboro College. Deka moved to the North Carolina Mountains in 1967, living on Beech Mountain for many years before moving to Banner Elk. It is in Banner Elk where her spirit of community and giving back kicked into high gear. She was first elected to Banner Elk Town Council in 1993. She served in that capacity until she was elected Mayor in 1999-2010. She was currently a member of the Banner Elk Board of Adjustments. She had a true love for Banner Elk and community service to her beautiful town. She was a leading force in bringing the brick sidewalks to Banner Elk. An accomplished artist, the original painting of "The Banner Elk" was done by Deka to raise funds for the sidewalks. This painting is still found in houses and businesses across the High Country. She was a force of nature, tracking down everyone she knew to get an easement through properties, because she knew what a difference it would make for the town. Beautifying Banner Elk was near and dear to Deka's heart. She was a founding member of the Beautification Committee and could be found many days building planters and planting flowers all over town. It was these same flowers she would "borrow" for church flowers-which she said was ok because she was "stealing for Jesus", her words! She was a founding member and past president of the Banner Elk Heritage Foundation – where she was responsible for getting the Banner House Museum open and fully paid for. She was also the past vice-president of the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce for many years. A devout Christian, Deka was a member of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. She served in many roles in the Church, including Elder, worship committee, choir member, was instrumental in bringing the organ to the church and of course her beloved church flowers. Deka was a true southern lady, always welcoming everyone to her lovely mountain home. She was beautiful, eccentric, selfless, artistic, supportive and caring. She loved God, her family and the mountains. Deka was one of a kind, a true original to the end.
Deka's greatest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren. She was the proudest mother to Brad Owen of Augusta, GA, Rick (Nancy) Owen of Banner Elk and Joel (Rebecca) Owen of Banner Elk. Her most beloved grandchildren Will (Sarah) Owen of Augusta, GA, Kendall Owen of Augusta, GA and Hampton Owen of Banner Elk. She is also survived by her brothers Millard Lambert of Roanoke, VA and Kenny (Carol) Lambert of Charlottesville, VA., along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was proceeded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Gail Lambert.
Memorials may be made to the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church PO Box 158 Banner Elk, NC 28604.