Marilyn Tate, 85, of Centralia, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Centralia, Illinois on July 28, 1939, the daughter of Herman Sessions and Mae (Hiltibidal) Sessions. On January 14, 1957, Marilyn married the love of her life, Rodney Tate. He preceded her in death on January 16, 2023, just two days after their 66th Wedding Anniversary.
Marilyn is survived by her four sons: Rick and Kelly Tate of Walnut Hill, Randy and Caroline Tate of Ferrin, Russell and Melissa Tate of Centralia, and Jason and Heather Tate of Centralia; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a set of twins on the way, who would be her first great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Judy Ericksen of Centralia; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter: Denva Lee Tate, two brothers: Bill Sessions and Jerry Sessions, and two sisters: Phyllis Davenport and Nina Cuno.
Marilyn had her first job at 16 years old at the Siegler Factory in Centralia and then worked at Little Fuse for several years until she retired. She also helped clean houses over the years. In 1955, Marilyn was baptized with her mother at the First Baptist Church in Salem.
Marilyn had a passion for painting and making crafts. One craft that Rodney and Marilyn made were bird houses, she had a big heart for her birds. She enjoyed watching NASCAR and Westerns. Earlier in the years, Rodney and Marilyn traveled all over the United States on their motorcycle and were members of the GWTA Goldwing Motorcycle Club. During the cold winter months, they would stay in Mission, Texas.
The biggest part of Marilyn’s life was her family. She loved her family very much and cherished all the wonderful memories that were made over the years with her husband, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Marilyn’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.