Shelby Nadine Tate

Shelby Nadine Primm Tate, 86, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026. She was born on September 26, 1939, in Caraway, Arkansas, to William Nathanial Primm and Cleavie Earl Williams Primm. Shelby lived most of her life in Jonesboro and was a devoted Christian and a member of Walnut Street Baptist Church.

Shelby was a woman who found joy in the simple things in life and treasured the time she spent with the people she loved. She had a lifelong love for basketball, whether she was playing the game herself or cheering from the sidelines. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family at Lake Norfork, where many cherished memories were made. Shelby also enjoyed dancing, playing bingo, and traveling, always making the most of every opportunity to have fun and create memories with others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman Tate; her daughter, Felicia Ann Tate; her sisters, Shirley Williams, Kledith Primm Compton, and Pansy Primm Howle; and her brothers, Donald Wayne Primm, Alvin Primm, J.T. Primm, Joe Primm, and Willie Dee Primm.

Shelby leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory, including her daughter, Shellie Graham (Barry) of Jonesboro; her brothers, McArthur Primm (Gayle) of Jonesboro and James Bruce (Joan) of Jonesboro; and her granddaughter, Felicia Graham Cox (Marty). She will also be lovingly remembered by extended family and friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

A visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Dub Holt will officiate. Interment will be at Jonesboro Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Shelby's memory to Nettleton Baptist Church, Walnut Street Baptist Church, or Revival Tabernacle of Bono.

Shelby's love for her family, her faith, and her zest for life will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will live on through her family and friends.