Sarah Arlean Tate

Sarah Arlean Tate, 96, passed away in Altamonte Springs, FL on July 31, 2019. A memorial service was held at First United Method Church of Oviedo on August 14, 2019. Below is the announcement in the Memorial service bulletin. On July 31, 2019, Sarah Arlean Tate passed from this world to join her Lord Jesus Christ, and reunite with her beloved husband, CDR James David Tate, USN, who she last saw 57 years ago when he died in a plane crash at sea, but never stopped loving or talking about him every day. Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, to parents Robert and Frances Diggs, she was a true Southern lady. She graced this world for 96 years, sharing her love of God by being a loyal, compassionate, comforting friend to so many. She was a fun, beautiful, vibrant woman, full of strength, who generously shared her bountiful wisdom and love. Her daily life was guided by prayer and her steadfast faith in God. After graduating high school in Charlottesville, she moved to Washington, D.C. in WWII to work as an Identification clerk for the F.B.I. It was there she met James David, who was going to law school at night to become an FBI agent, but left the F.B.I to become a Navy pilot. She loved to dance, and while working in Washington, D.C., she also served as a hostess at the Stage Door Canteen and made Red Cross bandages as well. She married her beloved James David after the war. Being a young Naval officer’s wife, she moved and traveled all around, and outside, the country, but always made wherever her family lived a home. She took care of everything when Dad was at sea, and made sure he regularly received letters and presents. She was a phenomenal cook who loved hosting joyful, unforgettable parties. A testament to her kindness is that many of the people she met in her 20's became cherished, lifelong friends. She and James David bought a new home in Falls Church, Virginia that had a completely empty yard, and together they planted every shrub and tree, turning it into a magnificent oasis. Gardening was her lifelong passion, and she particularly loved dogwood trees and the cardinals that visited. When she lost her husband at sea, she was heartbroken. After she became a widow, she moved back to Falls Church to be near her family, and later worked as a secretary for the Dept. of Agriculture until she retired. She is survived by her twin daughter and son, Debra Tate of Winter Springs, FL (former son-in-law Chris Cortese) and David Tate of Lubbock, TX (wife Charlene), as well as four grandchildren: Allison Tate-Cortese, Los Angeles, CA., James Tate-Cortese, Winter Springs, FL, and Jody Acrey and Tammy Willis of Lubbock, TX; and three great-grandchildren, Tate and Robert Willis, and Aden Acrey, all of Lubbock TX. We love and miss you so much Mom/Nana. But we know you are finally with Jesus and dancing in your husband's arms once again.

Sarah Arlean Tate

June 8, 1923 - July 31, 2019