Mrs. Sheila Mae Tate was born on January 20, 1947 in Gulfport, Mississippi to the late Mr. Samuel H. Smith Jr. and Mrs. Maude C. Smith, and entered into her eternal rest on June 1, 2024 at the age of 77..

Some of Sheila's early life memories started for her at 33rd Avenue High School in Gulfport, MS, and continued while she attended and graduated from Rust College with a Bachelors of Science in Education. While attending Rust, Sheila became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She proceeded through life embodying her sorority's motto, "Intelligence is a torch for the soul". She served as a Harrison County School District educator for 40 years, exemplifying the motto to the fullest.

In her personal life, she was blessed to create a beautiful family with her husband William Wright Tate Sr., bringing two children into this world. For those who have had the honor of knowing Sheila, we know that she can be a force to be reckoned with, she truly believed in the no child left behind and made it her mission to dismantle any obstacle that society placed in her path. She truly lived a life of love and laughter, and will dearly be missed. She was preceded in death by her husband William Wright Tate Sr., daughter Almaudia Helena Tate-Thorn, sister Deena (Eddie) Blaylock, and brother Paul H. Smith. Sheila is survived by her son William (Latisha) Tate Jr.; two brothers Samuel (Gloria) Smith Sr., Richard L. Smith; two sisters Melba (Kenneth) Evans, JoAnn Smith; seven grandchildren Tamishala (Thurman) McNeil, Takwon Tate, Desiree Tate, William Tate III, Christian Tate, Khalil Davison and Malana Echols; two great grandchildren Lyanna Helen Marie McNeil, Thurman McNeil IV; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.