Lillian Amanda Tate

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Sister Lillian Amanda Bailey Tate
February 20, 1938 – August 22, 2025
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! " ~ Matthew 25:23

Lillian Amanda Bailey Tate, born on February 20, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was the second of four daughters of Floyd Columbus Bailey and Lerlean Lucy Holley Bailey. Her parents raised her in the historic Lincoln Heights neighborhood where she developed a genuine appreciation for cultural activities and a passion for dance and sports. During this time, she also developed a strong work ethic. Lillian graduated with the Class of 1956 from Central High School with a career focus in Business Administration.

Subsequently, Lillian began her career with the federal government holding positions in the Treasury Department, the Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Department of Agriculture. When a chance of a lifetime employment opportunity presented itself, Lillian made the career move to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she ultimately met the love of her life, Ronald L. Tate, Sr. After their marriage in 1964, they moved to Chicago, Illinois, and welcomed their children, Pamela Ann and Ronald Jr.

Her sense of duty and discipline were evident in all aspects of Lillian's life. She balanced her career and family with grace and determination. After they relocated to New Jersey with their young children, she enrolled in Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and in 1975, she graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Sociology.

Lillian's spiritual foundation was as strong as her professional one. She allowed compassion to be her moral compass. It guided her through years of dedicated activism and public service which directed her to espouse causes that needed a champion and to the people who needed a friend and/or an advocate. This woman of knowledge, wisdom, and courage was an esteemed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as well as one of the founding members of the Roswell-Marietta Chapter of Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1992, Lillian and Ronald Sr. made their final relocation to Tallahassee, Florida, where she quickly found her niche and became an integral part of the community. For the past 30 years, she was actively involved with the chapter and public service activities of the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Likewise, she was a dedicated parishioner of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and faithfully served as the church secretary under the leadership of Reverend (Bishop) A.J. Richardson, taught Church School, was actively involved with the Black History Committee, and a graceful member of the liturgical dance team. Her enthusiastic involvement helped raise the bar of excellence to its highest level.

Lillian's life was a testament of her unwavering faith and commitment to service. Her rich legacy is one of warmth, creativity, and love for mankind. She will be remembered for her generous hospitality, her passion for the arts, and her dedicated service to both her church and the community at large. Most of all, she created a home that was a haven - a place where laughter, delicious food, and joyful company were always in abundance.

Sister Lillian Amanda Bailey Tate lived to die only to live again. On Friday, August 22, 2025, her life journey came full circle in the city where it began, Cincinnati, Ohio. She obediently answered the Master's call for her to come home. She was then welcomed into the Kingdom to receive her crown of righteousness from the righteous Judge

Sister Lillian Amanda Bailey Tate was a devoted wife, beloved mother, and loyal friend. She is gone from her loved ones' sight but never from their hearts. Those who will cherish her precious memory until they meet again are her beloved husband of 61 years: Ronald L. Tate, Sr.; her children: Pamela Tate (James) Draper and Ronald Tate, Jr.; her grandchildren: Dominick (Nicole) Draper, Jared Draper, and Oliver Tate; great-grandchildren: Dominick Jr. and Dawson; sisters: Flora Lee Bedell of Cincinnati, OH, Jacqueline Cornist of Las Vegas, NV, and Edith Hardy of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-love: Marilyn Johnson; brother-in-love: Jeffrey (Mary) Tate of Minneapolis, MN; along with many other cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding Lillian in death were her parents: Floyd C. Bailey and Lerlean Lucy Holley Bailey.

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