Nancy W. Tate

TATE, Nancy W., passed away at age 102 on April 7, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Nancy was born in Tazewell County, Va., to Newton and Ella Pack Whitaker. After graduating from high school, she began her life of travel, first in Welch, W.Va., Savannah, Ga. and eventually the world. She met her late husband, Paul Tate, a handsome U.S. Marine, and became a consummate military wife. After his retirement, they settled in Richmond and she began her career as a medical receptionist for Drs. Wyndham and Frank Blanton until her retirement. She enjoyed taking her children and grandchildren on her travel adventures in the U.S., Europe, Aruba, Malta and Mexico.

Nancy was active in Masonic organizations including being the past Royal Matron of the Order of the Amaranth, Virginia Court Number One and the past Worthy High Priestess of the Old Dominion White Shrine Order of Jerusalem. She also served the community by being a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve, and a past member of the James River and the Brandon Woman's Clubs. She exemplified the motto of her Masonic organizations, "Let us love one another, for love comes from God."

Her parents; sisters, Addie Minton and Rosa Shepherd; brother, Roy Whitaker; and husband predeceased her. Nancy's survivors include daughters, Cheryl Duke (Bill) and Paula Place (Steve); grandchildren, Paul Duke, Caitlin Duke, Anna Matney (Chris) and Deborah Place; nephew, Michael Blanton; and cousins, Joe Whitaker, Frances McGlothlin and Shirley Puckett.

The family wishes to thank Three Pillars Senior Home Care, especially the owner, Kevin Angone, for providing loving care and for adopting Nancy as his grandmother. Capital Caring Hospice was outstanding in their compassionate support of our loved one.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 17, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street, from 2 to 4 p.m. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, April 19, in Quantico National Cemetery. A memorial service will take place later in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Nancy's name to The Opening Door, Inc., 8049 Ormesby Lane, Woodford, Va. 22580.