Obituaries
August 2025
Marcus Dewayne Williams
Marcus Dewayne Williams , 42, of Memphis, TN passed away on August 12, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 11:00 am - 11:55 am at Ebenezer Baptist Church 1807 John Paul Dr, Memphis, TN 38114. Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 pm.
May 2025
Diane Dowdy Coburn Ellington
Diane Dowdy Coburn Ellington, 71, of Memphis, TN passed away on May 30, 2025.
Diane was born on November 3, 1953 to the late Florine Dowdy Wilson.
She is survived by her two grandsons, Calvin (Tarsha) Maclin and Chavontae Rayford; one sister-in-law Margaret Ellington; four great grandchildren and a host of other cousins, aunts, and friends.
Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at 12:00pm at Columbus M.B. Church 324 North Decatur St in Memphis, TN 38105.
Internment will follow at Pleasant Rest Memorial Gardens 6235 Raleigh Millington Rd, Memphis, TN 38053.
April 2025
Leon Tate
Leon Tate, 59, of West Memphis, AR passed away on March 31, 2025 at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Leon was born on August 28, 1965 to Lucy B. and James Tate in Forrest City, Arkansas.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lucy B. Ellis and James Tate; and siblings James Tate, John Tate, Larry Tate, Francis Tate, Rosie Tate, Dorothy (Joe) Simon, and Lula (Larry) Lewis. He is survived by his sister, Fannie Tate-Battle of Memphis, TN and his two brothers Frank (Denise) Tate of Memphis, TN and Robert (Pauline) Tate of Arlington, TN and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held oon Saturday, April 12th, 2025 from 10:00 am - 10:55 am at Victory Temple M.B. Church 547 Malcomb St in Memphis, TN.
Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am.
March 2025
Lula Tate-Lewis
Lula Tate Lewis, 71, passed away on March 4, 2025 at her home in Memphis, TN.
Lula was born on August 20, 1953 to Lucy Bee and James Eddie Tate in Helena, AR.
She is survived by one sister, Fannie Tate Battle of Memphis, TN, and three brothers, Frank (Denise) and Robert (Pauline) Tate of Memphis, TN and Leon (Erma) Tate of West Memphis, AR, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were blessed to know and love her.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10:00am-10:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 both will be held at Victory Temple MB Church 547 Malcolmb St, Memphis, TN 38112.
Internment will be in Paradise Gardens 184 Minnis Dr, Edmondson, AR 72332.
February 2025
Climenstene Gray
Climenstene Gray, 87, passed away on February 22, 2025 in Memphis, TN.
Climenstene was born on November 2, 1937 in Canton, MS and was the 4th of eleven children to the late Peyton and Selena (Roberts) Baker.
She is survived by three daughters, Henrietta (Kenny) Wilson, Evelyn (Walter) Gholston, and Mildred Johnson of Memphis, TN; three sons, Jessie (Marie) Baker of North Little Rock, AR, Zachary (Marla) Gray of Harrisonburg, VA, and Milton (Harriette) Gray of Cordova, TN; two sisters, Edward Jean Blackmon and Glennetta Baker of Canton, MS; two brothers, Peyton Baker of Chicago, IL and Julius (Mamie) Baker of Glen Ellyn, IL; twelve grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 1, 2025 for a Celebration of Life at 11:00am at Victory Temple MB Church 547 Malcolmb St, Memphis, TN 38112.
Internment will be in New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Rd, Memphis TN.