Minnie Evelyn Gates

Minnie Evelyn Ray Gates, age 86, a resident of Pearl, MS peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 4, 2022, surrounded by her husband and children. Funeral services will be held 10 am Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS with interment in Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Friday, April 8, 2022, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Gates was born on November 16, 1935, to Lee Ander Ray and Lona Evelyn Stegall Ray. She was married to William “Bill” C. Gates, Sr. for 52 years. He will remember her as the Love of His Life. Mrs. Gates worked in the food service industry her whole career before retiring. She was a member of Skyway Hills Baptist Church in Pearl, MS. Mrs. Gates loved her husband, children, grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She will be remembered by her family as a woman of strong faith, very kindhearted, the rock of the family, and a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Mrs. Gates was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Ander Ray and Lona Evelyn Stegall Ray, and her siblings.

Mrs. Gates is survived by her husband, William “Bill” C. Gates; children, Dianne Rainey (John), Ronald Blackwell (Shirley), Naomi Cumberland (Kenny), John Blackwell (Debbie), William “Butch” C. Gates, Jr., Sheryl Kennedy (Don), and Nora Reed; 18 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren; her beloved dog, Scotty; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

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