Joy, as she loved to be called, “Mama” by her children and “Nana” by her grandchildren, departed this world on September 12, 2021.

 

Joy was born in Lawrenceburg, TN to Jasper Almon Lewis and Eva Lena Newton of Lexington, AL. After having five children, she graduated nursing school in 1972 and worked as a Registered Nurse and nurse supervisor for the next 30+ years, receiving numerous awards and touching the lives of many patients, families and coworkers. She was the first Certified Urology Nurse in the state and served on the national board as well as writing and speaking at several conferences. Her colleagues knew her as a kind soul, always willing to mentor and lead with compassion. Joy was an avid reader and Jeopardy fan who enjoyed learning for the entirety of her life.

 

She was preceded by in death by her parents and sister Gaye Newton Click, her son, Russell Francis Tate and daughter, Mollie LeAnne Tate. Joy is survived by the father of her children, Russell Foster Tate, her children John Tate, William Tate and Mary Alexander.  She is also survived by four grandchildren: Joey Purser, Jessica McCormick, Kait Moore and Savanah Tate, as well as three great-grandchildren Everly, Ryland, and Molly.

 

In lieu of attending a funeral service, and to honor her love of flowers and plants, we ask that, if you wish, you plant something that celebrates the beauty of life or make a small donation to Birmingham Botanical Gardens.