Alphonso Tate

December 24, 2015 brought the loss of one of the world’s best entertainers. Although he was not famous by most standards, he was an accomplished athlete, a self-proclaimed dancer and a natural comedian. By just being himself, he managed to bring joy into the lives of all who knew him. Alphonso Tate was born in High Point, NC on September 10, 1942 to the late Thomas & Quiller Tate. He was the second of six children and was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Tate and after 46 years of marriage, his devoted wife, Delores. Alphonso was educated in the public school system of Guilford County, NC. He graduated from William Penn High School in 1961. He attended North Carolina Central in Durham, NC for one year. He returned to High Point and worked at N.A.P.A. until he was drafted into the Army in 1964 where he served as a medic. While stationed at Fort Hood, TX, he traveled to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX where he met and married who he considered the love of his life, Delores. They were married on June 19, 1965. From that union, their dearest “Amy” was born. The family later moved to Washington, DC. Once in DC, Alphonso worked alongside his brother, “Tommy” at National Publishers until it closed in 1971. In July of 1971, he found employment at the Washington Post where he worked for the next 35 years until his retirement on September 2, 2006. After retirement, Alphonso dedicated himself to taking care of his beloved wife. Family was always important to Alphonso and once he found out he had a son in this world, he spent many years searching for him. He was finally united with his son, Maurice, in 1985 and made sure he was an active part of his life from then on. Alphonso was always known as “the life of the party” and had an intense love of music. He was notorious for dancing, talking, and just loving life. He had an infectious smile and a contagious laugh. Besides dancing, he also enjoyed bowling, bid whist, watching sports and westerns, and spending time watching his grandson play football. He was a die-hard Redskins fan and a passionate, active member of the Washington, DC chapter of the Pointer’s Club. He will always be remembered for the love he had for his family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Amelia “Amy” Tate-Moore of Waldorf, MD; one son, Maurice Stokes, Sr. (Tania) of Hillsborough, NC; two brothers: Thomas Tate (Dot) of Fort Washington, MD and Lawrence Tate (Joyce) of Greensboro, NC; three sisters: Patricia Baker of High Point, NC, Gloria Powell of Fort Washington, MD, and JoAnn Burke of Ypsilanti, MI; six grandchildren: Anthony Moore, Sr., Maurice Stokes, Jr., Ryan Stokes, Aaron Tate-Moore, Eric Stokes, Ezekiel Stokes; three great-grandsons: Anthony Moore, Jr., Adrian Moore, and Matthew Moore; and a host of other relatives and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Alphonso Tate please visit our Sympathy Store.