Marilyn Elnora Tate's Obituary
Marilyn Elnora Hawkes Tate, 76, was born on May 14, 1949 and passed on June 13, 2025, peacefully with her loving son Mike by her side.
Born in DeRidder, Louisiana, Marilyn was the daughter of Jay Benton Hawkes Sr. and Laura Adelaine Thomas Hawkes. She graduated from Rosepine High School and spent most of her life as a resident of the area, where she was a proud member of the Rosepine community.
Marilyn devoted 28 years of her life to Rosepine High School, where she was a beloved secretary and registrar known for her dedication, warmth, and unwavering support of her students. She was often heard encouraging students to “give it your personal best,” a motto that reflected her own approach to life. Marilyn would also announce, “We have a situation,” which meant she had caught something that wasn’t going to sneak past her. She was known throughout Vernon Parish as the BEST registrar in the parish and the Bulldog Registrar who didn’t let anything slip by her; she made sure everything was done perfectly!
As a teenager, Marilyn fell in love with archery, a hobby she shared throughout her 39-year marriage to her devoted husband, Jeff Tate. She loved to share the story of the year she won Louisiana State Archery Champion Women’s Division and Jeff won Louisiana State Archery Champion Men’s Division. They left Baton Rouge both champions. Together, they enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, looking for antler sheds, and archery competitions. Gardening, canning, and spending time in nature were among her favorite pastimes. Marilyn could drive a tractor like no other! Marilyn also loved crocheting for her loved ones, continuing this craft until her very final days. She took great joy in gifting her beautiful work.
Marilyn loved deeply and generously. She is survived by her sons; Michael Jay Tate (Barbara) of Rosepine, LA, and Craig Wayne Tate (Crystal) of Florence, AZ; her brother, J.B. Hawkes (Jeannie) of Rosepine, LA; her sister, Sylvia Smith (Timothy) of DeRidder, LA; and her four grandchildren: Tyler Tate, Christopher Tate, Skylar Tate, and Cyarra Tate. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very close friends whom she considered her adopted family.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Jeff Tate; her father; Jay Benton Hawkes Sr.; her mother, Laura Adelaine Thomas Hawkes; and her sister, Dorene Shirley.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Eva Ullum for the dedicated care, friendship, and love she provided to Marilyn over the past year.
In lieu of memorial service and flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Marilyn Tate Memorial Fund at Rosepine High School, where her passion for education and encouragement will continue to impact students for years to come. Please make checks payable to Rosepine High School with “Marilyn Tate Memorial” in the memo line. Arrangements are under the care of Labby Memorial Funeral Home, DeRidder.
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