On Thursday, November 18, 2021, at VCU Hospital in Richmond, VA, God extended His almighty hand of love and gently took Wilbert L. Tate to a home of joy, peace, and happiness. Wilbert was bone on June 19, 1941, to the late Mary Elizabeth and Albert Henderson. Wilbert received his education in the public schools of Virginia.
Wilbert accepted Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church of Colonial Beach where he sang in the choir. For a while he lived in Maryland and united with Glendale Baptist Church, now “The Sanctuary”, where Anthony Maclin is pastor. He loved attending Sunday school, bible study, and all of the programs and services. He then later united with Little Zion Baptist Church at Oak Grove, VA, after moving back to Virginia.
Wilbert worked at several jobs in his lifetime, which consisted of being the first black police sergeant at Colonial Beach Police Department. He loved that job and you could see his face light up when talking about his job. He also worked at Morris Chevrolet in King George, Wilkerson Restaurant at Colonial Beach, special officer at the Colonial Beach Dragway, and finally retiring from B. Frank Joy in Morgantown, MD after 35+ years in 2010.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys; brother, William Tate; and son, André Tate.
On November 26, 1992, Wilbert was joined in holy matrimony to M. Elizabeth Tate, where they formed a blended family of four boys and three girls.
Wilbert loved the Redskins, wrestling, old westerns, and don’t get in his way when drag racing was coming on television. He loved people and would do anything for anybody.
Wilbert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of twenty-nine years, Elizabeth; three sons, Vernon (Stephanie), Calvin, Wilbert Jr. (Sophia); three daughters, Betty, Mary (Phillip), Byrdell (Aaron); twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; loving goddaughter, Sydni Carey; two special and close firends, Steve Suit and Fred; a host of nieces and nephews; and oh, don’t forget his little four legged friend, “Little Shang”, the kitty who followed him all around from the house to the mailbox and to the garage.
Home Going service for Wilbert L. Tate, Sr., of Colonial Beach, Virginia will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Little Zion Baptist Church, 7748 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Virginia.
Interment will follow in the Little Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Tate, may be viewed from 10AM until service time on Saturday, November 27 at Little Zion Baptist Church.
Mandatory Temperatures and Masks will be REQUIRED.
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