Deloris Louise Pate

Funeral services will be held for Mrs. Deloris Louise Crook Pate, age 79, at First Presbyterian Church, 15274 Hwy 9, in Athens, LA, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. John McClelland, officiating. Interment will be at Atkins Cemetery in Athens, LA. Visitation will be at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 East 5th Street, Homer, LA, on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.

Deloris, affectionately known as “Bugs” by her family and friends, became a true Louisianan after living here for 40+ years. She was married to a career Naval Aviator for 56 years and, with their four children, moved to several naval bases in their joint 21 years of service. Even with the hardships of a military life, Deloris spent a joyful church life serving in base chapels, working with the Head Start Program, helping with the brownies and cub scouts, playing on softball teams and in bowling leagues. After her husband’s retirement and moving a final time to her home in Athens, she became active in the community of Claiborne Parish working at Claiborne Animal clinic and teaching at Mount Olive Christian School as well as at most of the Claiborne Parish Schools. Even with all this, she loved most her time in the service of her Lord and Savior. Deloris was a faithful and active member of First Presbyterian Church of Athens where she was a Sunday School Teacher, member of the Women’s Prayer Group and Bible study group, served as an Elder and Clerk of Session. Deloris lived with a joyful laugh that could brighten any room, leaving everyone around her with a simple truth; life was made to be celebrated; never too quiet and never too serious.

She is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sylvie Pate; parents, Theodore and Louise Crook; and two brothers, Edward and Thomas Crook.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, David “Andy” Pate; four children, Kelly Pate and Jamie Pate and wife Dana, Jeffery Pate and wife Julie, and Kimberly Eikeseth and husband Brian; five grandchildren, Johnny White, Charli Perry husband Graham, Nicholas Eikeseth, Emily Eikeseth and Kaylin Pate; two great-grandchildren, Braydon White and Amelia Louise Perry.

Deloris’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Samuel Abshire and his staff, as well as Bristol Hospice and their staff for the care and compassion shown her.

Pallbearers will be Jamie Pate, Jeffery Pate, Brian Eikeseth, Johnny White, Graham Perry, and Nicholas Eikeseth.

In lieu of flowers honoring Deloris, her family suggests memorials be made to Methodist Children’s Home or the American Cancer Society.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110