Mother Surena “Tootsie” Pate Berford was born on September 9, 1937 in Kershaw, South Carolina to the late John Pate and Irene Gayle Lynn. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Lord called His faithful servant from labor to reward at Abbotts Creek Center. 

Mother Surena was a woman who believed in hard work and caring for others.  While living in Washington, DC, she worked in homecare, where she lovingly served those in need. After returning to North Carolina, she worked for many years at Henry Link Furniture in the cabinet room until her retirement. 

Above all, Mother Surena loved the Lord and was devoted to her church. She was a faithful member of New Faith Full Gospel Worship Center, where she served as the Mother of the Church. She was known for her strong faith, her prayers and her encouraging words. Mother Surena carried a sweet spirit and a loving heart, always reminding others to trust God and keep the faith. She truly lived a life of service, compassion and dedication to the Kingdom of God.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Pate  and Irene Lynn; two sons, Johnny Pate and Malachi Pate; one daughter, Sara Pate; and two grandchildren, William Pate and Antoine Pate.

Those left to cherish her precious memory include her loving children: Willie “Cathy” Parker, Gordon (Rachel) Pate and Isaac Lewis (Deidra) Cauthen; daughter-in-law, Deborah Pate; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves one sister, Lottie Lee Sowell; sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Lynn; five special friends, Olla Shropshire, Mary Crump, Wendy Mahala, Bertha Cowan and Mary Thomas; goddaughter, Margaret Horne along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, her beloved church family and many friends whose lives were touched by her love and godly example.

Mother Surena may be absent from the body, but she is present with the Lord. Her prayers, love and legacy of faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”