Obituary - Shirley Vaughan Tate

Shirley Vaughan Tate, lovingly known as “Granny,” 94, of Sandston, Virginia, surrounded by her family, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Friday, January 9, 2025.

Born on February 7th, 1931 in Richmond, Virginia, Shirley was a 1948 graduate of Highland Springs High School. She lived a long, full life rooted in faith and family,

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Garland E. Tate; her beloved son, Warren Douglas Tate; her sisters, Lucille Vaughan, Frances Vaughan Patterson, and Katherine Vaughan Martin; her brothers, William Vaughan, Preston Vaughan, Carlton Vaughan, and Charlie Vaughan; and her parents, William Preston Vaughan and Carrie Ethel Giddings Vaughan.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family, who cherished her deeply. Left to honor and carry on her legacy are her sons, Edward Tate (Deborah), William Craig Tate (Rose), Linwood Tate, Garland Tate (Ramona), and Tim Tate (Annette); and her daughter, Judy Christopher (Doug); 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of special nieces and nephews. She is also lovingly remembered by her devoted caregivers, Martha, Sandra, and Cindy, whose compassion, and kindness were a true blessing and brought her comfort and companionship in her final years. The family is deeply grateful to her hospice nurse, Brandi, whose kindness, patience, and gentle care brought comfort and peace to Shirley and her family.

Known for her fun-loving spirit, unwavering strength, and compassion for others, Shirley was truly the heart of her family. She found joy in the simple moments— gatherings filled with laughter, shared meals, cake decorating, gardening, flower arranging, camping trips, car rides and time spent with generations of loved ones who knew her as a source of wisdom and warmth. Her memory lives on in the lives she touched and the family she so lovingly nurtured.

The family will receive friends and family on Monday, January 19, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23231.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 20, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park in Sandston, with a reception afterward at Sandston Baptist Church, 100 W. Williamsburg Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richmond SPCA, the American Diabetes Association, Sandston Baptist Church, or Trinity Hospice, 16 East Spring St., Fayetteville, AR 72701.