Dec. 2, 1931 - Feb. 2, 2013

ELKHART - Ceola "Pee Wee" Tate, 81, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at Hospice House of Elkhart.

She was born Dec. 2, 1931, in Tyronza, Ark., to Cleophus and Alma (Young) Johnson.

Surviving are two sons, Anthony Jones of Cassopolis, Mich., and Keinnie Jones of Elkhart; two daughters, Kathy (Lovell) Anderson of East Palo Alto, Calif., and Jacqueline "Cerise" Dye of Elkhart; 12 grandchildren; many great- grandchildren; brother Cleophus Johnson Jr. of Elkhart; and seven sisters, Aretha Taylor, Alma Pullium, Esther (Oliver) Pettis and Jo Ann (Warren) Black, all of Elkhart, Rosie Lee Johnson of Missouri, Cleo Johnson of Atlanta and Bettie Johnson of Indianapolis.

Ceola was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Jones; brothers Calvin and William Johnson; niece May Johnson; nephew Calvin Johnson; and daughter-in-law Mildred Jones.

Ceola was a clerk at G.L. Perry's for many years. She was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church of Elkhart and was on the usher board for 28 years. She was a women's state retreat member and Bible and Sunday school attendant, and was involved in the senior citizen program. She was also a member of Missionary Society at Church from 1985 to 2012. While living in Missouri, she was a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church of Missouri and on the usher board there for 20 years. She loved to sew, was a master quilter and loved her church home.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 802 Garfield Ave., Elkhart, with the Rev. Sam F. Frison officiating. Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Foundation or Hospice House of Elkhart.

Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to share a message with the family.

Jane McEWen, Troy, OH To Sister Tate's Family and Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church: My heart is saddened with the news of Sister Tates passing but I rejoice in the homegoing of another soldier! She was a true Woman of God and will be dearly missed; especially her lovely smile and warm spirit. My prayers and love to the family and her church family/friends. Jane Frison McEwen and family

Donnie McClinton, Cape Girardeau, MO To the family of Mrs. Cleo, my prayers are with you and the entire family. God bless. Love Donnie & Loraine.

Warren Price, Elkhart, IN This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it Psalm 118:24 NIV May God give all of you the strength you need

Betty Cross, Elkhart, IN To the family of Ms. Ceola , I had the pleasure of visiting with her last summer for your family reunion. She was a loving,caring and strong woman. Ms Ceola was always kind to me. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to all the family. Betty Ann

April Elzey, Lawrenceville, GA Friend of Cleo Johnson, I send my condolensces and deepest sympathy. Friend of family April Elzey!

Darrell Ray Williams, W.Memphis Ar, AR To the Tate family, AMP,FATS and MRS. Pettis.I am sorry for your lost,and wish to send my condolences,love you all!

Torall &Willie Mae Morris 926 S 3rd St., Elkhart, IN To the Family of Mrs Tate,she will be miss..Our Prayers are with the Family in your time of your loss.. Torall & Willie Mae Morris.