Maie Miller Pate, 91, of Florence, S.C., died peacefully Thursday, July 18, 2013 at Southland Health Care Center in Florence with family at her side. She was born in Charlotte, N.C., a daughter of the late Wade H. and Nellie A. Elmore Miller Ms. Pate moved to Florence in 1960 and began working as executive secretary to Charlie Womack of Womack Garden and Nursery, a position she held for 30 years. During that time she formed a very close bond with the Womack children, Billy, Winifred and Pat. The children often liked to say "when she wasn't running his business, she was raising his family". "Mimi" as she was affectionately known, liked to cook and was a prolific reader. She loved people and animals. She rarely met a stranger and she delighted everyone with her humorous stories and her incredible gift for hospitality. She had a very tender heart and generous spirit and was loved by all who knew her for her kindness, generosity and willingness to help when needed. She is predeceased by her husband, William Stanley Pate and her son, Fred Ritch. She leaves to cherish her memory a nephew, Marty Lee and his wife Kathy of Florence, S.C.; and her surrogate daughter, Pat. The family would like to thank Carriage House of Florence and Southland Health Care Center for their care and kindness. Cain Funeral Home is assisting the family.