Mary Gates

RINGGOLD Mary Harris Gates, 80, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013.She was born on March 9, 1933 in Chattanooga, to the late Jessie and Gertie Harris. She had lived most of her life in the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas but had also spent several years in Chicago, Ill. She was of the Baptist faith and frequented Peach Orchard Baptist Church and is smiling down on all of us now as she dances down the "Streets of Gold". Mary loved dancing and took great pleasure and joy in being with her children.She was also preceded in death by her husband of more than 42 years, Claude Gates Sr.; daughter, Patricia Sholtz; and son, Freddy Gates. Mary left behind her surviving children and spouses, Claude Gates Jr., Carolyn (Don) Wallin and Janice Gates, all of Ringgold, and George "Dink" (Tracey) Gates, of Flintstone, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, in the Fort Oglethorpe Chapel with Brother James Davis officiating.Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will begin receiving friends after 1 p.m. today and prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.Online guest book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe.