Susie Evelyn Pate

Funeral services for Susie Evelyn Pate, 101, of Corrigan will be held Friday, October 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Corrigan First Methodist Church with Pastor Phillip Corbett and Pastor Lewis Ivey officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Springs Cemetery.

Susie Evelyn Pate passed away peacefully Sunday, October 12, 2025, in the care of Hospice in the Pines. She was born to Emil and Susie Charley Kurtzemann on December 4, 1923, in Moscow Texas. Susie Evelyn attended school in Camden and graduated from Chester High School in 1941.

On October 9, 1941, Susie Evelyn married the love of her life, Harold “Sambo” Pate and they began life in Camden Texas. They enjoyed many square dances and club dances together. Eventually, they moved to Corrigan with their daughters.

Susie Evelyn clerked for her father at the railroad in Camden. Later in life, she began work as a postal clerk for the US Post Office working in Camden, Moscow, Corrigan, and Lufkin. While employed with the Post Office, she and Sambo opened and operated “Pate’s Restaurant” in Corrigan for several years. After Sambo passed away, Susie Evelyn managed her daughter Haroldlyn’s business, “The Flower Shop” in Corrigan for many years.

Mrs. Pate was involved in Ladies Auxillary VFW, Corrigan Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 631, and many other civic organizations. She was a member of Corrigan First Methodist Church.

In her later years, she treasured every moment spent with family. Susie Evelyn loved going places, gambling at the casino, doing word search puzzles, getting lottery tickets, and eating ice cream every night.

Susie Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Grillot of Corrigan; Grandchildren, Deidre and Dwayne Cornelius of Corrigan, Kelly and Gary Strong of Huntsville, Leslie and Chris Ricks of Lufkin, Cody Grillot of Lufkin; Great-grandchildren, Taylor and Brendan Reavis of Lufkin, Ryen and Matt Horsley of Hubert, North Carolina, Bryan Ricks of Lufkin, and Sadie Grillot of Lufkin; Great-great-grandchildren, Raegan Brasher, Grayson Brasher, Walker Reavis of Lufkin, Brooks Horsley of Hubert, North Carolina along with many nieces and nephews. Special family members, Angie Moore, Dorrie Davis, and June Rivas.

Mrs. Pate was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Emil Kurtzemann, Jr., Johnny Kurtzemann, and Cecil Kurtzemann; husband, Harold “Sambo” Pate; son-in law and daughter, John and Haroldlyn Bryan.

Pallbearers will be Dwayne Cornelius, Gary Strong, Chris Ricks, Cody Grillot, Bryan Ricks, and Brendan Reavis.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude for the loving care of their grandmother received from Hospice in the Pines-Inpatient Unit.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice in the Pines-Inpatient Unit, 1504 West Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904 or Corrigan First Methodist Church, P.O. Box 480, Corrigan, Texas 75939.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Corrigan, directors.