Mrs. Hilda Grace Pate

Goldsboro- Mrs. Hilda G. Pate, 87, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Kitty Askins Hospice Center, Goldsboro, NC surrounded by her loved ones. The celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:00am with a viewing from 10:00am to 10:45am at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 601 W. Elm Street, Goldsboro, NC. She will be laid to rest at the Old Mill Cemetery, 3718 Central Heights Road, Goldsboro, NC. Hilda Grace Pate was born May 9, 1936 to the parents of Mrs. Lillie Mae Edwards and Mr. James Edwards in Goldsboro, NC. She attended primary and secondary grade school at School Street School and High School at Dillard High School. Blessed with the gift of food preparation, she was employed for years as a cook at Burlington Factory, Cotton Restaurant and in the cafeteria of AP Parts Co., all located in Goldsboro. Many enjoyed her cooking and frequently requested special dishes. It has been said that once she applies her cooking touch “she could make a bean taste like a steak”. Another love of Hilda was her love of growing flowers. At anytime during the growing season those who drove by the house would see Mom planting, watering or weeding her beloved flowers. Hilda was married to the love of her life, Matthew W. Pate. The two of them enjoyed each other’s companionship and enjoyed a bunch of us when we visited one by one or when we all flooded into the house on special occasions. Hilda was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. It was while she was there that she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. As a member of Antioch, she used her skills as a member of the kitchen committee. Hilda was preceded in death by her father and mother, Mr. George Edwards, Sr. and Mrs. Lillie Mae Edwards; her sister, Gloria Raibon (Sydney), her brothers Ralph Edwards, George W. Edwards, Jr. and Eddie Carrol Foxworth; her daughter, Mary Elizabeth, and two sons, Reginald J. Woodard and Christopher L. Jones. Left to celebrate her life is husband, Mathew W. Pate; daughters, Gwendolyn King, Thelma J. Woodard and beloved as a daughter, Cassandra Ingram; sons, Eugene Edwards (Rose), Anthony Q. McCullough (Julia), John T. Woodard, Anthony R. Woodard and Rodney L. Woodard; sister, Hazel A. White; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, 28 grands and 60 great grands. Thank You Lord, for the loan of this precious gift to us, the gift of Ma Hilda. Services of caring, compassionate and distinguished class entrusted to J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home & Cremations of Goldsboro.

Mrs. Hilda Grace Pate

May 9, 1936 - October 6, 2023