Jackie Morris Pate

She was born on February 5, 1941 in Henderson, Tennessee to the late Charles and Annie Morris. Her family moved to Jackson in 1943 where she spent the entirety of her life. In addition to her parents, Jackie is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Charlie Pate; her only son, Chuck Pate; and five of her siblings: Edward Morris, Joe Morris, Carl Morris, Imogene Haves and Katie Morris.

She retired from the State of Tennessee in 1996 but would always say her most important and favorite role was that of wife and mother. Being MeeMee to six grandchildren and two great grandchildren was icing on top!

Faith and family were the cornerstones of her life; she had a passion for life and a genuine love for others. She loved hosting family gatherings and sharing her phenomenal cooking with family and friends. Christmas time at MeeMee and Gramps' house was magical. In between attending grandkids recitals, art shows, ballgames, birthdays, graduations, etc., she always looked forward to her weekly sister outings and her monthly Bunco group.

Her church family was very important too. She was a very active member at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church. She set up communion, worked in the food pantry, delivered flowers to the homebound and hospitalized, etc.. She looked forward to the message, fellowship and music every Sunday morning.

Jackie is survived by her three daughters, Terry Archer (Doug) of Collierville, Tn; Debbie Pate of Jackson, Tn; and Liz Hamby of Venice, Florida; grandchildren, Carly Archer, Kyle Archer (Jordan), Andrew Archer, Charles Pate (Josie), Meg Hamby, and Olivia Pate; and two great grandchildren, Amelia Pate and Noah Archer. She is also survived by her sister Jewel Maness.

Alzheimer's disease never robbed our Mother of her sweetness. Her beautiful smile and her bright eyes were ever present until the last few days of her life. Her kind, loving and nurturing spirit served her well in all aspects of her life! Thank you to many special staff members, both past at present, at Clare Bridge Memory Care and Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care and genuine love shown to our Mother.

Our hearts are heavy and our loss is profound, but we are forever grateful that God gave us to her. What a blessing!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Pate family.