Aurora D. Cobb Tate, 96, of Charleston passed away January 7, 2011 at home. She was born in Charleston the daughter of the late Ola Casto and Dennis Cobb. She was preceded in death by her Loving Husband of 64 years Joseph "Bo" Tate; Sister, Yuba Casto; and Brothers, Herschel, Larsa, and Rufus Cobb. She is survived by her Daughters, Frances Hill of Charleston; and Dolores Wright and her husband Dick Chatham of Fremont, California; Son, Donald Tate and his wife Sherry of Charleston. Grandchildren, Connie Coffman, Vicki Coffman and Cindy Monk, all of Charleston; Debbie Fricks of Tampa, Florida; David Tate and Jonathan R. Tate,, both of Charleston; Brianna Johnson of Charleston, and Jean Anne Tate, of Los Angeles California; Stephen Tate of Vero Beach, Florida and Lance Wright of Orangevale, California. Great Grandchildren, Joel Bloss, Jeremy Hyer, Logan Monk, and Eric Monk, all of Charleston; Alison Fricks, of Tampa, Florida, David Scott Tate, Christina Tate, Jonathan A. Tate and Adam Tate, all of Charleston; Ashley Wright of Orangevale, California; Tate Skillman, and Lakin Skillman, both of Los Angeles, California. Great Great Grandchildren, Alyssa Bloss and Bryce Tate, both of Charleston. Mrs. Tate Graduated from Dunbar High School, and Morris Harvey College. Aurora, Daughter, Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother, Aunt Cousin, Friend and Neighbor was a very talented intelligent hardworking lady who was an Artist, Fantastic Cook, Seamstress, Gardener and Builder. She was Cook at the Old Bonham School and at a couple of Local Cafeterias. Her published Cookbook is titles "My First Love" which cooking truly was her first love. A Son-in-law once said "She could take an old leather shoe sole, cook it and make it taste good." Aurora made several Wedding Cakes for her Grandchildren. Painting as an artist became a hobby after her children were raised. She won 1st and 2nd place awards at the Rhododendron Festival. The Art Room at the old Tiskelwah School was dedicated to Aurora and Joseph "Bo" Tate 3 years ago. With raising children, sewing was a necessity and late became a hobby. She made all the dresses for her girls and shirts for her son. Quilting was a hobby with her; she made her last Quilt 4 years ago. Gardening was a necessity but later came as a Hobby. She raised her last garden at age 90. Many jars of food were canned by her. She made Apple Butter, Picked and canned Berries, made Kraut and Pickled Corn. Aurora helped her husband take care of and milk the Cows, raised Chickens, sold Butter, Buttermilk and Eggs. She gave her girls Perms and cut her Son and Husband's hair. Aurora was a strong as any man, she built her Sidewalks and Patio, Layed Tile, put up Sheetrock, put a Roof on her House and shingled the outside of her House. She traveled to California, Florida, Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska. One of her greatest joys was having a new house built and she and "Bo" moving into it, having lived there 30 years before her passing, also was proud of being the matriarch of a 5 generation family. She was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and wrote her autobiography. Her faith, determination and work ethics were instilled in her children of whom she was very proud of their own accomplishments. She graduated, with honors, from The School of Hard Knocks. The family wants to thank all the Caregivers who helped care for her. Thanks to Michelle Brammer and Special Thanks to Judy Kessell who has been with her for 3 years, and also Thanks for Dr. Susan Cavender who provided care and attended her for years. Funeral Services will be 3:00 PM Tuesday January 11, 2011 at Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home with Pastor Brad Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico. Visitation with the family will be from 2-4 & 6 - 8 PM Monday at the Funeral Home. The family will accept Memorial online condolences at: cpjfuneralhome.com Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Tate Family.