Deborah "Debbie" M. Pate

Deborah “Debbie” M. Pate, of Wheatland, Pennsylvania, transitioned from this life on Saturday, March 7, 2026, while a patient of Jameson Hospital, New Castle, Pennsylvania, following a period of declining health. She was 75.

Ms. Deborah was born October 15, 1950, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a daughter to Alphonze Maurice Simmons, Jr. & Christine Deborah (Brewton) Simmons.

She graduated from Farrell High School in 1968 and furthered her education at Youngstown State University.

Her working career began when she landed a position as a telephone operator with AT&T. Debbie dedicated over 31 years of service to her trade before she retired as a small business consultant with the company.

Along with her husband Claude, they were founding members of Temple of Praise Cathedral Church of God in Christ, Sharon. In addition, she was a member of the NAACP of Mercer County and Telephone Pioneers of America. However, she was very proud to be the 1st Woman Superintendent of the State of Pennsylvania Western Jurisdiction Sunday School, as well as being “Mother Pate” of the church.

In her spare time, she enjoyed flower gardening, reading, cooking, & baking. Furthermore, she was known for her sweet potato pie and she loved family gatherings. She will be missed.

Mourning her loss are children, Wilbert “Kenny” Hadden (Terresa), of DeSoto, Texas, Bishop Melvin T. Baker (Daphanny), of Sharon, Pennsylvania, & Christine "Tena" Baker, of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren, Jared Coleman, Sidney Hadden, Skyler Hadden, SanTia Hadden, Eryonna Carson, Reyshawn Barrino, Diamond Herron, & Javier Valentin; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Cornelius Simmons (Jeane), of Hamilton, Ohio, Anthony Simmons (Kim), of Fort Wayne, Indiana, & Karl James (Patricia), of Columbus, Ohio; sisters, Mary James, of Dallas, Texas, & Elayne Weathersby, of Chicago, Illinois; several God-children; and a host of nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Willie T. James, Sr.; husband, Claude “June” Pate, Jr., whom she married November 27, 1999, he passed August 5, 2021; and brothers, Alphonse Simmons, III, & Willie T. James, Jr.

A time of gathering in her honor will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and Monday, March 23, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, both at the Temple of Praise Cathedral COGIC, located at 710 Carnegie Avenue, Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146. Her celebration continues with a Home Going Service on Monday, beginning at 11:00 AM, also in the church. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

Memorial contributions can be made to the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for her family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mother Pate was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135)