Irma Lee Pate was born August 6, 1938 in Sarah, Mississippi. She was the second child born to the union of James G and Beatrice Matthews. In 1957, she married James Clarence Pate. To that union was born four children: Valerie, Michael, James and Eric.

Irma professed her life in Christ and was baptized at an early age in Mississippi. She received her education at Hadley Tech and worked as an eye technician. Her work in life was to serve others. Prior to her illness, she worked for Lee Optical.

Irma departed this life on July 10, 2020 at 10:35am, to join her brother and sister in law; James W and Lee Birdia Matthews.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Valerie Pate; three sons, Michael (Donna) Pate, James (Carrie) Pate and Eric (Theresa); seven grandchildren, Cecil, Eric Jr, Michael Jr, Joshua (Brooke), Courtney (Ashley), Jonathan and Erielle; seven great-grandchildren, Harlem, Julian, August, Marqueax, Charlotte, Jolene, Karson and a host of other relatives and friends.