Obituary of Carolyn Yvonne Tate

Born on March 10, 1939, the only child of Daisy Hailstork and Zachary "Zack" Thomas, Carolyn Yvonne Tate passed away on January 17, 2017, in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she had resided since 2000. Originally from Sewickley, PA, Carolyn Yvonne began her career in the United States Air Force; and then worked over twenty five years in pension benefit payments department at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh. Upon relocating to Silver Spring, MD to be closer to her family, she completed her career as a federal contractor at the National Archives in College Park, MD. Carolyn's strong work ethic continued during retirement; she volunteered in the Patient Advocacy Office of the Veterans Hospital in Washington, DC for seven years. She enjoyed conversing with the veterans and keeping them calm until the Patient Advocate could assist them. Known as a committed volunteer, Carolyn was an active member of St. Matthews AME Zion church in Sewickley and was faithful in preparing food for repasts. In Silver Spring, MD, she had been a member of Montgomery Hills Baptist church, where she often fellowshipped with friends after the services. Carolyn was dedicated to helping others and was often heard advocating for fellow residents in her retirement community. She enjoyed assisting her friend Paul Rice, who is blind, by reading the TV Guide, the menu or simply reviewing his mail. Equally fulfilling, Carolyn was a companion to a fellow resident, Mr. Hill sharing laughs and old stories. Carolyn was blessed to have participated in commencement activities for all three daughters, who obtain advanced degrees and three of her grandchildren who graduated from university. She will be dearly missed by friends at Springvale Terrace Retirement Community, the National Archives, VA Hospital and her loving family. The mother of the late Daryl Thomas, her only son, she is survived by her daughters, Felice Robinson, Patience Nelson, Carla Robinson, her son-in-law, Kerry Nelson, seven grandchildren and her beloved friends at Springvale Terrace in Silver Spring, MD. Honoring her wishes not to have a homegoing ceremony, the family will hold a private seaman's burial. Condolences may be sent through Legacy.com