Sarah Ann Gates

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying. Neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away."

Revelation 21:4

It is doubly sweet at the close of a beautiful well spent life to turn one's face toward sunset and quietly sink into the rest that knows no waking except in the presence of God. A beautiful soul began her earthly journey on June 1, 1942 her parents, the late Mattie Johnson and Walter Henry named their daughter Sarah Ann.

She was promoted from labor to reward Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the age of 81. Sarah was reared in the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church; there is where she found her salvation at an early age and served until her health declined.

Sarah has always said that her husband Willie Gates was the great love of her life starting at the age of 14. She was a dedicated wife and mother. She also became a mother to children in the community.

Sarah was well known for not meeting a stranger. She was definitely the life of the party with a heart of gold. She had a gift of making everyone feel loved and welcomed when they were in the presence of her.

She leaves to forever treasure and respect her memory, her children; Colleen Gates, Sarah Wilder, Charlotte Gray, Connie Johnson, Timothy Gates, Marcus Gates, Tyrone Gates and Craig Johnson. Siblings; Bonnie McDonald, Bobbie Stribling, Walterene Williams, Clemetine Clerk, Hubert Henry and Lonnie Henry.  A Dear Friend Betty Williams.

Those who completed this life before her: husband; Willie Gates, Her sons; Joe Lacy Gates, Willie Gates, and Kevin Gates. Her parents; Mattie Johnson and Walter Henry. Her sisters; Effie Summers, Mary Griffin, Lou Ella Lewis, Lois Sanders, Winnie Luckett, and Ruby Gilmore.

She also leaves behind Twenty-Nine Grandchildren and Forty-Nine Great-Grandchildren.

Sarah will be remembered by the genuine love that she poured into others, her sweet spirit, contagious laughter, and beautiful smile.

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