Obituary
Mary Teresa (Williams) Tate

In Loving Memory Mary Teresa (Williams) Tate, AKA Terry Tate beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 29th, 2025, at 9:30 pm, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family and community. Early Life and Family Born on March 15th, 1946, to the late Mr. Edward Hill Williams, Sr and the late Mrs. Mary Catherine (Chatham) Williams, Terry Tate grew up in a close-knit family where she developed her lifelong values of compassion and generosity. Terry was born the third child of seven. Edward Hill Williams, Jr and John Chatham Williams proceeded her in death. Her living siblings, in order of birth, are Ms. Martha (Williams) Lanham, married to Robert Lanham; Mrs. Patricia (Williams) Egger, married to Mr. Michael Egger; Mr. Stephen Williams, married to Mrs. Cynthia (Notch) Williams; and Mr. Lawrence Williams. Terry married Mr. E. Ray Tate in 1965, who fathered Mary Catherine (Tate) Neill, Sylvia Jean (Tate) Pulliam, and Jennifer Lynn (Tate) Small. She parted ways with Mr. Tate in 1985. Her final husband was Tony Byrd. He passed away in 2004. They shared 15 years with their blended family and grandchildren. They enjoyed boating and landscaping the yard for family gatherings. They spent a good amount of time on Falls Lake and Rollingview Marina. Her Life and Legacy Terry was an entrepreneur. About 1983, she owned and operated an Italian buffet style restaurant. In 1985, she opened a consignment shop for maternity clothing and baby nursery bedding. Her final adventure was a Hair Salon that she operated out of her home in Cedar Hills in Raleigh NC. She had many long-term clients that became her friends. In North Raleigh, numerous customers frequently acknowledged her presence. As her clientele aged, she went mobile and provided cosmetic services to their homes. She also provided funeral home cosmetic services to prepare her customers for their final farewells. The families were so appreciative because she knew how they looked in life, so it was very comforting. Terry never met a stranger and always remembered a face. One of Terry’s greatest joys was organizing family gatherings. She brought people together with her gentle spirit and infectious smile. She was known for her cooking and always ensured everyone left her table satisfied. A devoted mother, Terry raised her children with love and guidance, teaching them to be kind, resilient, and true to themselves. As a grandmother, she delighted in sharing stories, baking treats, and attending every family gathering for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, birthdays, and cook-outs. Remembering Terry Terry was preceded in death by her husband Tony Byrd (2004), her parents Mr. Ed Williams, SR (2008) and Mrs. Mary Catherine Wiliams (2011), her grandson Willie Gupton (2013), her oldest daughter Mary Catherine (Tate) Neill (2016); Along with other loved ones who now welcome her home. Terry is survived by her children, Sylvia Pulliam and Jennifer Small, grandchildren, Amanda Pulliam and Braeden Small, and her great grandchildren, Cassie Pulliam and Ezekiel Buckler and a host of siblings, nieces and nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. The family has planned a celebration of Terry’s life at her last place of residence, The Lawson of Knightdale. As requested by Terry, this event will celebrate her life with family. Donations may be made to honor Terry at Home - Cause for Paws, https://cfp-nc.org/ Dog and Cat rescue and her favorite thrift store, continuing her legacy of giving and kindness. Mary Teresa (Williams) Tate, AKA Terry Tate will be remembered for her unwavering love, selfless spirit, and the countless lives she touched. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.