BEVIE ODELL PATE

Bevie was born to John Daniel Pate and D. Modenia Peace, Jan. 25, 1909 in Shelby County, Texas. He grew up in the home of a Baptist Minister, who was a pioneer preacher in Shelby County, Texas. Since there wasn't any pay for a preacher in those days, their family worked very hard to make a living. Their family consisted of thirteen children with only one girl (Norma Lee Pate Wilson). Their Family attended The Pleasant Grove Baptist Church which was about seven miles west of Center, Texas. They grew up on a high hill, and on a clear night could see the lights in Center, Texas.

Bevie passed away in the Nursing Home in Ringgold, Louisiana after a long illness. This illness was stroke related. Both of his parents died from a stroke related illness.

Bevie married Lois Powers, August 16, 1929 in Shelby County, Texas. To this union was born one son, Vernon Bevie Pate. Vernon was born June 23, 1930 in Shelby County, Texas. When Vernon was around age four, he was kicked in the head by a mule and became deaf. He was very smart and attended a school and college for the deaf. He taught the deaf in Austin, Texas and was a house parent. Vernon later married Hazel J. Burnett in Austin, Texas, who was also deaf.

Bevie and Lois were divorced March 16, 1931 in Shelby County, Texas.

Bevie moved to Louisiana where he could be with his sister, Norma and her husband Daris Wilson. That is where he met the LOVE of his life, Lula Beatrice Logan.

Bevie and Lula were married, September 5, 1931 at the home of J.B. Felts, JP, in Heflin, Louisiana. Witnesses were: Oscar Logan, Corine Jones, Maude Evans, Dad and Mother Evans. (John H. and Dillie S. Logan Evans)

To this union were born the following children:

1. Norma Laverne was born Monday, June 3, 1935 at 11:00 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Dillie Logan Evans, in Heflin,Louisiana.

2. Little Sonny Boy Pate was born Friday, May 5, 1939 at 8:00 o'clock at home, Heflin, Louisiana. He was born dead and all attempts to revive him failed. He is buried in New Providence Cemetery.

3. Shirley Ann Pate was born Sunday, March 31, 1940 at 1:12 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Dillie Logan Evans, in Heflin, Louisiana.

4. Johnnie Faye Pate was born Wednesday, October 18, 1944 at 4:45 o'clock at Fletcher Clinic, Ringgold, Louisiana.

Some of this information came from Lula's Bible. She was a great record keeper, when it came to her family.

Uncle Bevie worked very hard to make a great living for his family. He was a carpenter, finished concrete, layed brick and many other skills he learned. He worked at the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant for many many years and that is where he retired from.

He loved to watch things grow and raised many great gardens. Also, he raised Black Angus Cattle and this gave him much pleasure in his life.

He loved to visit with his family and many other friends. Everyone loved to hear his stories of growing up in Shelby County, Texas. He loved to sing and play the guitar. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in his church choir. He was a member of many quartets in his church. He sang as long as he was able to do so.

Everyone in his community and Bistineau Baptist Church miss him greatly. He was a great role model for many young men in and around his community of Heflin, Louisiana.

Uncle Bevie, you were and are still LOVED by all of us, you left behind. Some day we will all meet again in heaven!
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Written by, Virginia Wilson Bailey, niece of Bevie.
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