Louise Rogers Tate

Louise Rogers Tate of Harmony Church Rd. Efland, NC died of natural causes at age 88 on Sunday, February 27 surrounded by loved ones at UNC Hospital Hillsborough.  Her children Roger (Lisa) Tate, David (Marcia) Tate, and Margaret (Marty) Bray cherish her memory.  Married to the late Hurley Tate for 68 years, they found joy in their grandchildren Ginnie (Quint), Jan (Chantal), Allie (Pascal), Frances (Shawn), Tyson (Kimberly), Rebecca, and Thomas.  They delighted in their great-grandchildren Holliday (6), Maggie (3), and Theo (1), as well as two others to be born this year.

Her parents were Thelma Stuart and Pete Rogers, both deceased. Her brother Jerry (Marcia) Rogers from Flowery Branch, Georgia, and her sister Betty Youngkin (late husband Bill) from Dayton, Ohio know they shared a sustaining bond with Louise and their late sister Jean Thompson (Ed).  Louise deeply appreciated the employees of the Tate Corporation/business whom she welcomed into her home at any time. She laughed and rejoiced with many nieces and nephews and held in high regard Adell Oakes who helped raise the two sons and daughter.

Louise built a successful career as an office manager, bookkeeper, tax consultant, and financial advisor. She graduated from Alexander Wilson High School in 1952, studied in classes at Alamance Community College, and became a lifelong learner.  Her mind was immersed in a wide range of reading for knowledge and entertainment.  She enjoyed travels in the United States, England, and France, always with an entourage of people who enjoyed her sense of adventure and love of surprises.

In her lifetime Louise met and accepted children, women, and men from all walks of life.  She drew upon her work and devotion to the United Church of Christ in which she studied theology in depth and dreamed of a better society of unconditional love.  She served faithfully to help organize two UCC congregations, Mebane UCC and Hillsborough UCC.  She was the director of Hillsborough UCC’s book and gift shop "The Owl's Nest," which traveled from Pennsylvania to Florida selling crafts from developing countries for SERRV International and Self-help. She served on the board for various groups including Blowing Rock Assembly Grounds and Black Lake Retreat Center.  She was chosen to represent UCC Southern Women in North Carolina at the UCC General Synod in Minneapolis in 2003 as recognition for her years of service.  She spoke with eloquence in public and created beautiful prayers when called upon.

She hated inequality, arrogance, and injustice.  She loved all people unconditionally, even in her most difficult times of loss and sadness.  Her natural "green thumb" produced a flower garden every spring and summer. After retirement Louise sewed pillows and baby blankets, helped with Girl Scout projects, and created Montessori school supplies with colorful fabrics.

Devoted to her community, Louise served on the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board and served as treasurer for the Cedar Grove Fire Department for many years.  Even with declining health, she continued to support local businesses and fundraising efforts with earnestness.

Someone coined a phrase about Louise and Hurley's work and life:  "They conserved the land and educated the children." Dozens of young people benefitted from working on the farm to secure their education, claiming their voices and future.  Many others benefited from Louise’s enduring support and friendship and her memory will be forever treasured.

A Celebration of Life for Louise will be scheduled for the early summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alamance Community College Foundation in Louise’s memory.  Donations can be made at https://givebutter.com/embed/c/ACCF-01 or mailed to ACC Foundation, PO Box 8000, Graham, NC 27253-8000.