Hephzibah M. Tate
Hephzibah Meegaaoh Tate, 71, of Fountain Inn, SC, wife of (Mr.) Gayle B. Tate, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Mrs. Tate was a native of Thailand, meeting her husband during the Vietnam War in 1970. Their marriage of 55 years produced a fine family that, even today, continues to grow with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Tate, affectionately known as “Omah” not only to her immediate family, but to the ever-widening circle of her children’s friends, produced great influence for them all and always accepted them as her own. Her influence, as well as her memory, will continue for generations to come.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children, Jaisua Robert Tate (Emilie), Stanley Myles Tate (Ashley), Song-Win Kempany (Steve), and Stefan Andrew Tate (June); seven grandchildren, Lola Haskins, Aaron Wolf (Caroline), Michaela Berry (Chance), Myles Tate (Jeanette), Jai Tate, S.J. Tate, and Jaidee Tate; four great grandchildren, Freya Wolf, Jackson Berry, Jeremiah Berry, and Asa Tate; and a brother in law, Robert W. Tate, living in Portugal.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her memory by anyone willing to share a comment or a story of her care for them.
I first met Hephzibah as a young wife and mother at Bayshore Methodist Church in Tampa. Gayle, her husband, a good friend of mine and the owner of Tate Galleries, quickly became even better friends as we were involved in weekly Bible Studies at the home of Fred and Talli Platte.
These were wonderful young family years and I cherish the Tate friendship we developed in the early ’80s.
Hephzibah was a delight. A warm, affable Christian mother, quick to laugh, of exotic beauty and appeal within the church circles.
I must stress her exquisite beauty, and as an artist I rendered an advertising poster for the gallery in the Art Nouveau (Mucha) style, featuring her in all her radiant splendor.
The Tates moved elsewhere, and we lost touch the past decades, but Hephzibah and Gayle have since held a special place in my heart.
Praise The Lord! Hephzibah is home with Him!
She will be missed sorely by family and friends I’m sure. Hallelujah! Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!
Hephzibah The best friend of my friend. We have never meet but I know you always looked after my friend Gayle and he was always happy . That’s what I will always remember.
Ralph .
I have many warm memories of Hepzibah’s hospitality in North Carolina. She prepared wonderful Thai dishes for friends and family. I loved her egg rolls. The best I have ever eaten until this day!
She had a warm smile that made you feel at home. My condolences to her friends and family.
Hephzibah…
Gayle and I go way back to our time in Asheville, NC. When I found out they were living in SC, I was then close to their home. I have visited Gayle and Hephzibah on several occasions. Both Gayle and Hephzibah received me into their home as if I were their long lost friend….and family member. She was SO gracious and kind to me. She prepared meals for both Gayle and I that were fabulous. No one could help to not love her, because she loved first. I will miss her loving kindness.
Hephzibah was a strong and courageous character from my youth. As a small girl I thought she was the most beautiful woman and as I got older I saw how strong and wise she was as well. Her amazing fashion sense and fun laugh will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to the Tate family. You all were always so kind to me in an unkind world. Thank you for sharing her with all of us.