March 23, 2023, 80, Goldsboro –

Linda Emily Pate, 80, finished her course in faith and was graciously received into her Lord’s presence on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Linda was born in Wayne County to the late Handley Franklin Pate and Irene Amerson Pate on February 15, 1943. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Handley Pate, Frank Pate, Brooks Pate, and Junior Pate, and sisters, Alma Lewis and Sara Rollins.

Faith was both important and evident in Linda’s life. Fulfilling her membership vows at The First Pentecostal Holiness Church through her prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness, Linda was a constant in the life of the church. She was also a prayer warrior. Her giftedness in prayer was instrumental in the prayer room for Judgement House (a fall outreach ministry the church shares with the community). Linda helped to organize and lead the Singles Ministry at the church. She loved her church, they were an extended family, her brothers, and sisters in Christ. She was willing to do whatever was asked of her, all in service to the Lord.

Linda greeted her community while she worked at Wachovia Bank. She was a teller and became a manager of the bank, later retiring from there. It was her way of serving others and taking care of those with whom she came in contact.

Linda was the one you could count on. She was kind and loving. Linda cared for her family and was always praying for them. Her brothers and sisters always had a special place in her heart. Her children were gifted with devoted and faithful mothers. Linda had a servant’s heart and she lived that out every day.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at The First Church in Goldsboro followed by a service to celebrate Linda’s life at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Bill Rose and Bishop Jim Whitfield officiating. The interment will be in the Pate Family Cemetery.

Linda is survived by her children, Randy Anderson and wife, Kay and Beverly Lane and husband, George; grandchildren, Dustin Lane, Kayla Anderson, and Steven Lane; sister, Suzanne Gurley; and several nieces and nephews she loved very much including a special niece, Cathy Sasser.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to The First Church, 1100 The First Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.