Virginia Elizabeth (Croom) Pate

Virginia "Jink" Pate, 89, of Kinston, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jink was born April 12, 1936, to the late Richard B. and Callie Ham Croom.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family, her faith, and her flowers.

She was married to her soulmate, Walter "Jack" Pate until his death in 2024, 70 years.

 Jink served years as a GA leader in her church. She's had lots of granddaughters over the years. Singing in the choir brought her joy each week.

The God she served, blessed her with a green thumb, and her yard was always proof.

Her family knows what love is because of how she lived her life. If she could leave you with a message, it would be... Be a peacemaker in a troubled world. 

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Callie Croom; Husband, Walter "Jack" Pate; Daughter, Diane Pate Johnson; Siblings; Myrtle Gagne and Lee "Shine" Ham. 

Virginia is survived by her son, Randy Allen Pate and wife Lisa Pate; Son in law, Buddy Johnson; Grandsons, Steven A Miller, Joshua Allen Pate, and Jeremy Pate Johnson; Siblings, Marvin "Bro" Croom, Linda Croom Webber and Husband Tim Webber.  

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home, with Rev. Craig Ham officiating. Visitation will follow.