Breckenridge Texan

Bernistein Tate was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Jab and Maude Davis on August 9, 1924. She passed away on October 31, 2018. A funeral service will be held at Bethany Baptist Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2018, with Rev. Decker officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, November 9, 2018, from 6-7 p.m. at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home Chapel.

She attended IM Terral High School top in her class. She then worked as a waitress when she met the love of her life Henry Tate, Sr. They later married and had five lovely children. The family later moved to Breckenridge and she took a job as a housekeeper. As time passed, she started working as a dietician at Stephens Memorial Hospital. While working she decided to be an LVN and attended college in Graham at the Cisco Junior College. When she graduated she became charge nurse on the night shift at Stephens Memorial Hospital for 30 years. Berna then retired and enjoyed family and friends.

She was a member at Williamson Chapel CME Church, as well as an usher for over 30 years. Berna moved to Abilene and then joined Antioch CME Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jab and Maud Davis; husband, Henry Tate Sr.; sister, Faye Williams; daughter, Mary Tate; son, Henry (Junebug) Tate Jr.; only niece, Gwendolyn Cooper Jackson; only daughter-in-law, Edna Jean Stiggers; and great-granddaughters, Mylliah Menyan Royals and Karen L. Mapps.

She is survived by daughters, Lynda Williams and husband Abraham of Abilene, and Marsha Alexander of Abilene; son, Billy Ray Stiggers Sr.; grandchildren, Edith, Debbie, Elaine, Billy Ray Jr., Donna, Rodney, Shannon, David (Bubba) A’Mard (Perky), Misti, Kelly, Jerome, Mellani and Marcus; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Our matriarch will truly be blessed.

Memorial donations may be made to the Breckenridge Meals on Wheels program and can be left at the funeral home office.