Julia Mae Pate, was born on November 6, 1938, in Kershaw County, South Carolina, was called home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2025. Affectionately known as "JuMae" and "Grandma Ju" to her family and grandkids, she was an unwavering pillar of strength. A warm, vibrant, joyful and sometimes stern, she will be remembered for her love, compassion and unyielding dedication to her family, church and the many people that she impacted while working for years at Jimmie's Diner in Camden, SC. She loved to play BINGO and cards and watch her soap operas, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Julia, also had an exceptional talent for sewing. 

As a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church BRR in Camden, SC, she served  tirelessly as an usher, missionary, with the Pastors Aid and the Soup Kitchen. Before her final retirement, Julia worked at and loved her Substation II family and friends in Lugoff, SC. 

Julia was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie Mae Pate, sisters, Elizabeth Mickle and Mary Gary and Grandson, Dexter Elm. 

She is survived by her loving daughters, Mary Williams (LeRoy), Debbie Knox and Rhonda Furman (Ralph); sisters, Willie Mae Wilson of Smithfield, NC and Annie Lee Pate of West Haven, CT; two brothers, Michael Smith of Camden and Jackie Smith of Florida; 13 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. 

Her viewing will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 12:00 pm  at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Camden, SC. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the same location. Following the funeral a burial will be held in the church cemetery.