Bishop Dr. Jonathan Tate Sr.

The Life and Legacy of Bishop Dr. Jonathan Tate, Sr.

June 24, 1933 – December 14, 2025

Bishop Dr. Jonathan Tate, Sr., a devoted servant of God, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, and spiritual leader, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on December 14, 2025. Born on June 24, 1933, Bishop Tate lived a life marked by faith, sacrifice, leadership, and unwavering dedication to holiness and the work of the Lord.

He was born to Joel Tate and Sadie Cole. He was lovingly raised in Pine Hill, Alabama, by his aunt, Missionary Elsie Stutts, whom he affectionately knew as Mother Elsie. Under her spiritual guidance and godly influence, the foundation of Bishop Tate's faith, discipline, and reverence for holiness was firmly established-principles that would guide him throughout his life and ministry.

Answering the call of God in 1961, Bishop Tate served faithfully in ministry for decades, progressing through the ranks of Elder, Overseer, and Bishop. He preached, taught, and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ with conviction and humility. A firm believer in prayer and righteous living, he boldly proclaimed that Holiness Is Right, standing on truth regardless of circumstance.

Alongside his devoted wife of 66 years, Mother Shirley Tate, Bishop Tate labored tirelessly to advance the Apostolic faith. Together they traveled extensively, conducting revivals, preaching, teaching, and encouraging souls across the country to live saved and sanctified lives. He stood faithfully by her side, just as she stood by his, as they worked together in ministry and in life.

Bishop Tate was instrumental in the establishment, growth, and leadership of The 19th Street A.O. H. Church of God and The Anointed Temple Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, where he shepherded God's people with a pastor's heart and a father's love. Under his leadership, the church flourished spiritually, grounded in sound doctrine, unity, and prayer.

A respected leader beyond the pulpit, Bishop Tate received numerous resolutions and honors recognizing his lifelong service to ministry and community. In honor of his lasting impact, a street was named after him-Bishop Jonathan Tate Street. Additionally, a special day was officially proclaimed in honor of Bishop Jonathan Tate and the late Reverend Mother Shirley Tate, acknowledging their faithful service, leadership, and dedication to God's people.

Bishop Tate was a man who truly believed in hard work. Long before and alongside his ministry, he labored faithfully to provide for his family. Over the years, he worked as a truck driver, in construction, and as a skilled brick mason. He was employed at Ingalls Shipyard for 23 years, where he built a reputation for reliability and excellence, retiring honorably in 1995. A man of skill and determination, Bishop Tate even built his own home, a testament to his hands-on work ethic and self-reliance.

Bishop Tate was also a man of learning and wisdom. He earned a master's degree in theology, was a Certified Counselor, and received an Honorary Doctoral Degree of Divinity from Pentecostal Bible College, reflecting both his academic commitment and his practical application of God's Word.

A man of integrity and compassion, Bishop Tate loved God's people deeply and served with consistency and grace. His life was a living testimony of faith in action, and his legacy will forever be remembered through the countless lives he touched, taught, prayed for, and led to Christ.

Bishop Dr. Jonathan Tate, Sr. was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mother Shirley Tate; his daughter, Diana Tate; his father, Joel Tate; his mother, Sadie Stutts; brothers from his father's side, Joel Tate, Bryant Tate, and Willie Tate; siblings from his mother's side, Robert Foster, Eula Mae Curtis, and Janice Watson; and siblings from the union of Elsie and Dock Stutts, Elsie Marshall, Hattie Butts, John Stutts, and Annie Frye.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

Three daughters: Louise (Clabert) Guillory; Shelia (Overseer Bennie) Middleton; and Mary (Johnny) Griffith, all of Gulfport, MS

Three sons: Elder Jonathan (Cathy) Tate, Jr., Minister Rickey (Natasha) Tate, both of Gulfport, MS; and Pastor George (Linda) Tate of Atlanta, GA

A special and loyal daughter: Kay Taylor of Mobile, AL

Seventeen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren

A devoted and extended family member for over 57 years, Evangelist Joyce Smiley-Duncan of Indianapolis, Indiana

One Brother-in-Law, Hal Thomas, Mobile, AL

A loving extended family member, Mrs. Evelyn Waller, Mobile, AL

Along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, spiritual sons and daughters, and the entire Anointed Temple A.O.H. Church of God and Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, Inc.

Bishop Dr. Jonathan Tate, Sr.'s life was one of faith, leadership, prayer, and service. Though he has laid down his earthly mantle, his works do follow him, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

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