Mary "Geneva" (Tate) Lamar

Mary Geneva Tate Lamar, born in Anderson, South Carolina, to the late Willie and Clara (Ida Mae) Tate, entered eternal rest leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, leadership, faith, and lifelong service to education. Her life was a living reflection of the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as described in Epistle to the Galatians 5:22–23. Those who knew her experienced these virtues through her words, her actions, and the way she lived each day.

A proud native of Anderson, Mary’s early foundation was rooted in faith, family, and community. She graduated from New Deal High School in 1963 and continued her education at Johnson C. Smith University, where she cultivated her passion for learning and teaching.  Her dedication to education excellence led her to further her studies, earning a Master of Education degree from Georgia State University.  She later obtained an Education Specialist degree from Clark Atlanta University, strengthening her leadership and commitment to academic achievement.

Mary dedicated her life to shaping young minds through public education. She began her career teaching in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her patience, wisdom, and kindness made her a beloved educator. Her commitment to excellence and her steady faithfulness to her calling led her to the DeKalb County School District in Georgia, where she served faithfully for many years. She concluded her distinguished career as Principal of Stoneview Elementary School in Lithonia, Georgia, leaving an indelible mark on students, teachers, and families alike.

Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. In Anderson, South Carolina, she was a devoted member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. After relocating to Georgia, she united with Greater Fairhill Baptist Church, where she continued her Christian walk and fellowship. Her life reflected the peace of Christ, the gentleness of a servant’s heart, and the joy that comes from faithful devotion.

Her service extended beyond the classroom and church. Mary was an active charter member of the Les Tres Soulettes Social Club and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she exemplified kindness, charity, and sisterhood.

Affectionately known as the unofficial Matriarch of Little Mountain, Mary lovingly guided a new generation of Tates, Clinkscales, and Raineys in the community. Through her wisdom, patience, and unwavering love, she nurtured relationships that strengthened families and uplifted those around her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her loving brother, Benjamin (Valerie); sister-in-law, Vivian Tate (the late Billy Tate); nieces, Dr. Tonya Houston of Charleston, South Carolina; Phyllis (Lee) Wilson of Hampton, Georgia; Christina McCowan of Easley, South Carolina; and Kandisse Tate of Atlanta, Georgia; nephews, Daniel (Tawanda), Baron (Theresa), Maurice (Sonya) Turman all of Anderson, South Carolina; Brandon (Tia) of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and Dondrigues Harling of Denver, Colorado. She also leaves her devoted Atlanta adopted family, Christie and Charles Bryant; her special friend, Adelaide Saunja Lawson of Atlanta, Georgia; along with a host of adoring cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Starr, SC.  The interment will follow at Mt. Herman Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Friday at the funeral home from 4:00 until 5:00 p.m. Public viewing will be held on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will be live-streamed from the Marcus D. Brown Funeral Home's Facebook page. www.facebook.com/marcusdbrownfuneralhome

The family is at the home, 1205 Travis Road, Anderson, SC.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary "Geneva" (Tate) Lamar, please visit our floral store.