Obituary of Emma Tate

Emma “Jean” Tate, 82, of State College, died Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Centre Crest, Bellefonte.

Born May 16, 1936, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Richard Samuel and Bennie Lee Comer Dowdy.   On June 5, 2005, she married Cornelius “Neal” Tate, who preceded her in death in November of 2005.

She is survived by three children, Terri Lynn Parker and her husband, Curtis L., of State College, Rafeeq “Jerry” Salahuddin of State College and Keith Allen Dowdy of Bellefonte; and one granddaughter, Morgan Jenae Parker. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four siblings, Louise Justice, Richard S. Dowdy Jr., Fannie Kathryn Dowdy and Bernice M. Smith.   

Jean was a graduate of Peabody High School, Pittsburgh, and studied at Robert Morris University.

She retired in 2002 as a Property Manager of Palisades Plaza for the Allegheny Housing Rehabilitation Corporation. After retiring and moving to State College, she worked several years, part-time for Foxdale Village Retirement Community.

Jean was a member of Unity Church of Jesus Christ. She was a keyboardist and vocalist of gospel music and served as minister of music for various churches in the Pittsburgh area for over 35 years.  She was also an avid jazz fan and vocalist and she enjoyed traveling.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m., on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. An additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the funeral home.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m., on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the Unity Church of Jesus Christ, 2280 Commercial Blvd, State College, with the Reverend Harold McKenzie officiating.

Burial will be in Pine Grove Mills Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Unity Church of Jesus Christ, 2280 Commercial Blvd, State College, PA 16801.    

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.