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Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.

2959 West 11th Avenue

Gary, Indiana

Ovea Tate Obituary

OVEA JEAN TATE Gary, Indiana Ovea Jean Tate made a transition to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 6, 2007. She was born May 28, 1953 in Hayti, MO. She was the ninth of thirteen children born to the Late James & Essie Sanford. She was a graduate of Hayti High School in May 1972 and later relocated to Gary, IN. She became a member of Miracle Temple COGIC in 1978 when she served faithfully as a president of the Nurses Guild, a member of Miracle Temple Sanctuary Choir and a member of the Finance Committee. She was joined in holy matrimony to Willie E. Tate Jr. on May 14, 1983 in Gary, IN. The devoted couple were inseparable for twenty three wonderful years. She was a loyal employee of T.J. Maxx where she was affectionately called "O.J." and worked faithfully over 15 years. Jean leaves to rejoice and celebrate her homegoing her loving and devoted husband, Willie E. Tate, Jr.; 2 daughters, LaKeisha Jones and Erica Jones; 1 son, Nicholas Tate; 6 sisters, Ruby (Robert) Neal, Blanche Simmons, Sharon Webster, Marilyn Sanford, Vivian Sanford, Irma Sanford; 6 brothers, Richard Neal, Jimmie (Earnestine) Neal, Charles Sanford, Lloyd Sanford, Herman Sanford, Dakarae Sanford; mother-in-law, Theresa Tate; 4 sisters-in-law, Barbara Tate, Carlotta Turner, Wanda Tate, Pauline (Lamar) Cotton and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation Monday, February 12, 2007 from 12 to 8:00 p.m. Family hours 6 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., all services at Miracle Temple COGIC, 4709 E. 13th Ave. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park. Professional services rendered by Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ovea Tate

Not sure what to say?





Randy Hoffman

February 3, 2024

OJ, I remember how you always took time to pray with co-workers when they were facing challenges in life and make them feel loved and cared about. You were so special to all of us who knew you. OJ you are truly missed but will never be forgotten.

Benita Mabon

February 15, 2007

To Deacon Tate, Kisha, & Family
You have my sincere sympathy and love. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. You are in my prayers.

JoeAnn Jackson-Matthews

February 14, 2007

Willie Tate & Family,

May you find peace and comfort to know that our prayers are with you at this difficult time. "He himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support." Hebrews 13:5 Be blessed.

JoeAnn & Robert Matthews

DELORES ARTERBRIDGE

February 13, 2007

TO THE TATE FAMILY. YOU WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS. JEAN AN HER FAMILY IS A LONG TIME FRIEND OF OUR FAMILY.
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS ARMS. THE ARTERBRIDGE AND WHITELOW FAMILY.

Dorothy Russell

February 13, 2007

You are in my heart and in my prayers. Ovea Jean was a wonderful person.

Beverly Lewis-Burton

February 13, 2007

May the God of grace
Grant you peace
in this your hour
of sorrow and grief

Elder Thomas Burton and family

Johnette Robinson

February 12, 2007

Willie, Lakeisha, Erica and Nick. We are very sorry for the lost of your wife and mother. Please know that we were blessed to have Jean in our live's as extended family and especially a "big sis" to me. All of our love, prayers and thoughts are with you. It's hard to be far a way and not be there to be part of her homecoming celebration, but distance is only physical, the spirit and heart does not know distance. We will be in touch with you very soon. Know that you are loved. From your "Minnesota Family"
George, Joni, Chris and Ashly.

jimmie russell

February 12, 2007

The Russell family is praying for your family.You may contact me at any time for support by phone or
letter.---(573)225-0219

Carol Hunter

February 12, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Quinola 'Queen' Berry

February 12, 2007

To Ruby, Richard Neal, the Sanfords and Tate Families,

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Jean. She was such a loving person, who made everyone feel like family. She always had a beautiful smile and a hug whenever she met you. Please know that the Sturdivants, Lewis' & the Applewhites share your sorrow. We pray that God will give you hope, and look to the hills from whence cometh your help.

God Bless, Queen

LaShauna Thomas

February 12, 2007

LaKeisha, Erica, & Nick: Your Mom was always like a second mother to me. During our elementary years (Keisha), I remember spending practically every summer with you all & she treated me just as special as one of you. My thoughts & prayers our with all of you & "dad".

"A Letter From Heaven"

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

JoAnn Threatt

February 11, 2007

To the family of Willie Tate.Trust in the LORD with all your Heart. In all ways Acknowledge HIM & HE shall direct your Path.

Miko & Family

February 11, 2007

LaKeisha & Erica, we are sorry for your loss...know that we are always here for you. We love you and your family very much. You all in our prayers. May the peace of God continue to cover you always.

TAMURA BROWN

February 10, 2007

TO WILLIE AND FAMILY,
WE ARE SO SORRY IN LOSS OF YOUR WIFE JEAN. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU. WISH WE COULD BE WITH YOU,BUT DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES WE AR UNABLE. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU

LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY
LOIS, UREAL(PREACHER), RENE, MARK AND TAMURA ROBINSON

JAMES AND LOIS WEARY

February 10, 2007

TO WILLIE AND FAMILY,
WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL.IT WAS JUST A GREAT PLEASURE FOR US TO MEET JEAN. WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND PERSONALITY SHE HAD. GOD IS ABLE TO SEE YOU ALL THROUGH.

LOVE AND PRAYING FOR YOU
JAMES, LOIS, SHERVONNDA,SHANIQUEKA,CIARA AND JAMOIS WEARY

LOIS WEARY

February 10, 2007

TO WILLIE,
MY HEART IS HEAVY WITH THE LOSS OF JEAN,BUT MY HEART REJOICES KNOWING THAT SHE LOVED THE LORD. JUST TALKING WITH HER LET ME KNOW THAT SHE TOUCHED MANY LIVES IN HER LIFETIME. SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED , BUT HER PERCIOUS MEMORY WILL ALWAYS BE CHERISHED. WILLIE, KEEP TRUSTING IN THE LORD AND YOUR DARK DAYS WILL BE LIGHT. KEEP LOOKING UP TO THE HILLS THAT IS WHERE I HELP COMES FROM.YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY PRAYERS.

YOUR COUSIN FROM LOUISIANA
LOIS WEARY

Terri Sams

February 10, 2007

Willie:

Be strong. God will see you through. Keeping you and your family in prayer.

daya MFEMFE

February 10, 2007

To the family of 'OJ''
I an deeply sorry for your loss.
OJ's friendship meant a great deal
to me. Her cheerfulness and warm
smile was very uplifting - not to
mention her sense of humor - she
always kept us laughing with funny
stories about what life throws at us
from day to day. We would discuss
the Bible at length and I found that
very rewarding. May the Lord comfort you at this time of great
sorrow and may you find peace in
knowing that she is with JESUS -
there is no doubt about that. I
shall miss her tremendously.
God bless you.
Daya MFEMFE

Regina (Daniels) Harper

February 10, 2007

To the Tate & Sanford family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I will always remember Jean for her warmth, kindness, & family orientation. She will deeply be missed. She always made me feel like family. For all the brothers & sisters, know that the Sturdivants have you in our prayers. Love all of you. Gina

Mary L Johnson

February 10, 2007

To Willie,Keisha, Erica:
I am so sorry to here of the passing of Jean, your wife, & mom.
I can remember our long rides to Memphis & countless services at Miracle Temple. May God bless you & stengthen you.
Prayerfully;

Randy Hoffman

February 10, 2007

To the Tate and Sanford families,

I had the pleasure of working with OJ at TJ Maxx. She had made many friends there not only with co-workers but customers as well. She was truely a wonderful person to know and work with, always friendly and greeted everyone with such a warm smile. She will be missed but never forgotten. My prayers go to your family and may god help them through this time of sorrow.

marie pilnock

February 9, 2007

My deepest sympathies to the family of O.J. She was a kind and warm lady who will be sadly missed by all. As one of her co-workers, she was a faithful and tireless employee. Our loss is surely heavens gain. May God be with you and your family in your darkest hour.

Cornelius Stewart

February 9, 2007

To Bro. Tate & Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of bereavement.

Remember weeping may endure for a night...but joy cometh in the morning.

Elder Cornelius Stewart
Sis. Zenobia Stewart & Family
Freeman Temple COGIC - Gary, IN

Annette Simmons

February 9, 2007

To the Tate and Sanford families, we send our heartfelt condolences.
We love you and pray that God will
give you comfort in your time of need.
The Simmons Family

Sandra Neighbors

February 9, 2007

To the family of Ovea Jean, our prayers are with all of your family during this time.

We will miss your wave, your smile and your willingness to always have a minute to talk.

From the family of Homer, Brandon, Ashley, Asia, Deja and Sandy Neighbors.

James & Gerri Dix

February 9, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rev. Danny C. Brewster,Sr., MDiv

February 9, 2007

May God Bless, Comfort and Console the entire Sanford, Neal & Tate families during this hour of bereavement. Let us all rejoice in this HOMEGOING of our Dear Sister-In-Christ Jesus. Even though we surely miss her smile, she's smiling in Heaven with God.

Evangelist Valerie Bynum

February 9, 2007

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

LaKeisha,
My prayers are with you and your family at this time.

LEONARD MATHEWS

February 9, 2007

To Lakeisha & Family,

Be blessed in knowing that Mom has truely lived a blessed life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow. Remember that "Earth has no sorrow, that Heaven can not heal" We love you, and speak many blessings upon the family.

Your Brother
Leonard

Sherri Miles

February 9, 2007

I am very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person and it was a pleasure working with her. My thoughts are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of her bring you comfort.

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