Louise Smith Pate

Louise Smith Pate, 85, formerly of Ivanhoe, loving wife of the late Harold McConnell Pate and beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully and surrounded by her family on July 11, 2017 at home.

Born in in Garland, NC, she was the daughter of the late James and Burdette Smith.
She also was preceded in death by her son, Harold McConnell Pate, Jr., brother James Buddy Smith and sister Linda Carroll King.

A longtime resident of Wilmington, NC, Louise retired as an accomplished seamstress and manager from France Neckwear where she also created men’s formal evening wear accessories for top New York designer brands.  Following her retirement she continued to sew for family and friends.  She was a member of Harmony Presbyterian Church.  Louise’s greatest joy was being a Mother to Ann, Loretta and Bill and Nanny to Lauren, Jake, Parker, and Lillie but her heart opened to countless friends who adopted her as Mama Pate.  She was always ready with an easy smile and a kiss, a listening ear and an open heart.

She is survived by daughters Loretta Dodgen and husband Bill of Gastonia, NC and Ann Pate of Kernersville, NC.; her granddaughter Lauren Wells and husband Jake of Blythewood, SC and great-grandchildren Parker and Lillie Wells; brothers Glenn Smith and wife Mel, Larry Smith and wife Janice; sisters Pearl Meshaw and husband Howard, Dorothy Strickland, and Ann Johnson; sisters-in law Doris Smith and Janice Register; Sister-In-Law Wanda Anders and two brothers-in-law Donald Pate and Victor Pate numerous nephews and nieces; and special friend Eury Dyson.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017 at Harmony Presbyterian Church, Harrells, NC with the Reverend Tim Evans officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 P.M.-1:45 P.M. before the service.