Iris Tate

Burlington - Iris Lorraine Sawyer Tate, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at her home. She was born in Alamance County on February 24, 1934 to the late Jeter Clifford and Alma Altha Grindstaff Sawyer and was the wife of the late Harvey Lee Tate, Sr.
Iris was a member of Concord Christian Church and worked at Burlington Industries Transportation Plant for many years. She was a charter member and historian of NC Auctioneer Association Ladies Auxilary and was also a member of the NC Extension Homemakers where she held several different offices, the Senior Citizen's Gadabout, the NC Basket Association and the Red Bud Garden Club. In addition, she was a 4-H leader and a youth group leader. Iris struggled with Rheumatoid Arthritis for many years, but maintained a positive outlook on life.
Survivors include her daughter, Karen Tate Gray and husband Will; son, H. Lee Tate, Jr. and wife Kelly; granddaughters, Jerrith C. Tate, Katie S. Holder; great grandson, Lucas Lee Tate; sister, Juanita Hasty, numerous nieces and nephews and her faithful companion, Lil' Bit. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents; sister, Creelie Sawyer and brothers, Quentin and Gene Sawyer.
A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel with the burial to follow at Concord Christian Church. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home and other times at the daughter, Karen's home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Southern Caswell Ruritan at 9614 NC-62, Burlington, NC 27217 or to Anderson Township Volunteer Fire Department at 225 Baynes Road, Burlington, NC 27217.

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