Gyrrie Jean (Heard) Tate

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of Mrs. Gyrrie Jean (Heard) Tate, age 60, beloved wife of Mr. Lorenzo Tate who passed away at her residence on March 17, 2025.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gyrrie Jean Heard Tate, who went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2025. Gyrrie was born on May 9, 1964, in Elberton, GA, to the late Willie Eva Heard and the late Henry Heard.

Gyrrie was a devoted and loving wife to Lorenzo Tate for 16 years and was a dedicated caregiver by profession, touching the lives of many with her compassionate heart and selfless spirit. She was a proud member of Rose Hill Baptist Church, where she lived her life in faith, and was steadfast in her love and service to both her family and friends. Gyrrie was known for her vibrant personality and for always being the life of the party. Her infectious smile and strong, supportive nature left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A pillar of strength, Gyrrie was a loving mother to her three sons: Spencer Tracy (Taqueilla) Fortson Jr., Tamarcus Tyrell Fortson, and Rodrigues Lemark Fortson. She was also a devoted mother to her late sister’s daughter, Lakhesia Shanta Thomas, and cherished every moment with her family. Gyrrie’s love extended to her three stepchildren, Candace Tate, Shankia Tate, and Lorenzo Marquis Tate, as well as to her nine grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. Gyrrie is also survived by three brothers: Ray (Renate) Heard, Wayne Presley (Christine) Heard, and Rolando Heard. She leaves behind her beloved aunts, Luella Johnson, and Mozellia Hill, and Uncle Adam (Addie Ree) Heard Jr. She is further survived by her brother-in-law, James R. Tate, and her sister-in-law, Loretta Crump, along with a host of extended family and friends.

Gyrrie’s legacy of love, joy, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She was a shining example of strength, kindness, and resilience. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the arms of the Lord.

She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 12:00 - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. 

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:30pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. 

Interment service will be located at Rose Hill Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following funeral service. 

We ask that you keep the Tate family in your thoughts and prayers.

The family will be receiving friends of the community at their respective homes. 

You may express your condolences, sign the online register, send flowers, or light a memory candle in her honor to provide comfort to the family.

Arrangements for Mrs. Gyrrie Jean (Heard) Tate have been entrusted to Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gyrrie Jean (Heard) Tate, please visit our floral store.