August 24, 2022, 85, Goldsboro –

Annette Lancaster Pate, 85, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Annette was born in Wayne County to the late Lemley Harold Lancaster and Carrie Smith Lancaster on October 5, 1936. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her husband of 62 years, Brooks Pate, who she faithfully supported while he farmed and worked for his family.

Attending Campbell University and then graduating from East Carolina University, Annette attained her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and dedicated her career to enriching the lives of children attending Wayne County Public Schools. Attending the New Hope School as a child, she was thrilled to spend much of her teaching career at the school in which her education started, even though it’s name had changed to Eastern Wayne Elementary School. Teaching for 31 years before retirement, she continued her impact on the lives of others through her role as a substitute teacher.

An active member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church, Annette could be found participating in many of the ministries of the church. She faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher each Sunday. Her love and heart for the children of her church was evident as she poured hours of time into ministries for them. When Ryan, her grandson, was a young boy, she would visit at Saulston United Methodist Church to ensure he went to church with the community friends.

Church and family took top priority in Annette’s life. She was diligent in giving her time, talents, and treasure to her family and church family. A constant support for those she loved, she was always eager to do others, and folks of all ages received blessings from her.

Getting it right on the first try, Annette’s first date was with her future husband, Brooks. When the two married, she remained faithful to her marriage vows, especially in times of sickness and health. She was devoted to the care of Brooks through multiple surgeries and throughout his declining health until they were parted by death. Even as her health diminished, she made sure that his needs were her top priority.

With a love for the area in which she was raised and lived her years, Annette was a lifetime member of the Wildlife Pond in the Saulston Community.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Faith Free Will Baptist Church followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. in chapel with Rev. Walter Sloan and Rev. Christian Powell officiating. Interment will be in the Pate Family Cemetery.

Annette is survived by her son, Michael Brooks Pate and wife Deanna; daughter, Robin Lynn Pate; grandchildren, Ryan Tyndall, Brandon Pate and Jennifer “Jenny” Pate.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Lancaster and sister, Frances Wade.

The family would like to extend a special appreciation to Angie Tucker and Gayle Peele who provided home care allowing Annette to spend her final months at home and to Helen Cogdell, Angie Reed and Sabrina Draughon who were not only caregivers but also her special friends.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to:
Faith Free Will Baptist Church
1200 W. Grantham Street
Goldsboro, NC 27530

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.