Frieda Viola Tate Dunkin was born in San Bernardino County, California, on September 8, 1955, to Howard John Tate and Gene Harmon. Early in her life, her path shifted, and she was raised in Arkansas by her foster family, the Watsons. Her childhood was shaped by change, resilience, and the ability to find stability wherever it could be built.
As she grew older, Frieda carried her life forward through her own strength. She eventually married Clinton W. Dunkin, taking his name and building a chapter of life that would define her adult years.
Frieda spent most of her life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a place that became her home and where she found her rhythm, community, and sense of belonging. In 1987, she experienced a profound loss when Clinton Dunkin passed away, leaving her widowed. She remained independent and did not remarry.
Her life reflects a journey through multiple identities and places; born a Tate, raised by the Watsons, and living as a Dunkin. Through it all, she endured change, adapted, and continued forward.
She is survived by her two sons, Travis Doyen of Irving, Texas and Jesse Schlegel of Joshua Tree, California.
Her life came to its close in Arkoma, Oklahoma on February 8, 2026.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
Through Love, Serve One Another
The Family of Frieda has entrusted her arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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