Burrell Edward "B.J." Tate

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the New Bethel Baptist Church for Mr. Burrell Edward Tate, 89, of Youngstown who departed this life on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 in the St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

            Mr. Tate, lovingly known as “B.J.” was born June 7, 1929 in Youngstown, a son of Burrell E. and Mae Emma Tate.  Following the death of his mother, he was raised by his grandmother, Hattie Walker.  “BJ” was a premier educator in cosmetology, specializing in multicultural instruction of beauticians, stylist and models.  He was owner/operator of BJ & Company Hairstylists for 58 years, consisting of full-time operators and support staff.  He was an experienced trainer of operators and sponsor of local, state and national seminars, workshops and continuing education training in the beauty culture field.  He attended Williamson College of Business, Youngstown State University, Pivot Point International in Evanston, IL and Robert Fiance Hair Design Institute in New York; and received cosmetology degrees from National Beauty Culturists League/National Institute of Cosmetology in Washington, DC, where he received his Doctorate degree of Professional Cosmetology.

            He had previously been employed at Jerlon Products in Texas, Posner Corporation in New York, Clairol Corporation in Northeast Ohio, Renee’s School of Cosmetology, and Youngstown City Schools.  “BJ” was a member in several organizations, in National Association of Beauticians, Ohio State Association of Beauticians, National Board of Education, The Links, Sigma Nu Theta Fraternity, Fish Samaritan House, Mahoning Valley Coalition for Cancer Control and Prevention in the Black Community and Inquiring Minds.  He also received numerous awards and certificates including, Black Diamond Certificate of Excellence and Honor, Business Leader of the Year (2004 – 2005), Beauticians Hall of Fame (2001), and Cosmetologist of the Year (2000).  He was a U. S. Army veteran.

            He leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Norman Jay of Anchorage, Alaska and Tawan “Tuffy” Walls of Columbus; a granddaughter, Amber Walls of Atlanta, GA; cousins, Carla and Cory Thornton and Janice Brown; and a host of family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandmother.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the church..

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