Velma M. Gates

I have fought a good fight.  I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,

shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  II Timothy 4:7-8

Velma Mae (Harris) Gates was born July 8, 1940, the second of seven children to the late Sam and Celestia (Fortune) Harris in Walnut Grove, Mississippi.  (Johnson-Town/Hills

Community).  Both parents, Chester “Billy Joe” Harris, Clarence “Jim” Harris, Sylvester “Dee” Harris, Samuel Harris, Ollie Dell “Genogia” Harris, and grandson Derron Gates

preceded her in death.

She was an active member of New Friendship Baptist Church until her health began to fail.  Past duties included: Sunday School Teacher, Red Circle President, Missionary, and

Benevolent Ministries.

Ms. Gates started her education at Harmony Vocational School, Carthage, MS. Her family relocated to Rayville, LA, where she continued her education at Holy Ridge

Rosenwald Elementary School and Una D. Britton High School.  Velma later returned to Mississippi, where she attended Murphy High School.

She was employed at South Eastern, Green Acres, R&R, Choctaw Maids, Koch Foods, Peco Farms Inc., and Tyson Foods.  At the time of her retirement, she had advanced to the

Department of  Quality Control, where she worked with food safety and quality assurance. 

Velma was united in holy matrimony to Lamar Gates on October 1, 1957, and together they shared forty-seven years of marital bliss before the Lord called Lamar home.  During this union, they were blessed with six children.

Velma took pride in providing for her family and enjoying life.  She wore many hats as wife, mother, cook, seamstress, gardener (both field and floral), and caregiver, to name a few.  She was a pillow of the community and would give anyone her last.  To sum it all up, she was an all around God fearing woman.

Ms. Gates leaves to cherish her precious memories six children:  Curtis Ray Gates, New Augusta, MS;  Celestia and Loretta Gates, Walnut Grove, MS; Sherry (Tony) Adams,

Montgomery, AL; Martenna (Charles) Johnson, Orlando, FL; and Stevie L. Gates, Walnut Grove, MS; twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren;  one brother, Charles “Nogia” (Ann) Harris, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.  Proverbs 31:10

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