Betty Gates

Betty Gates, 79, passed away Friday, September 30, 2016 at the family residence. She was a member of Big Spring Baptist Church for 30 years and was also a member of Candies Creek Baptist Church for the past 15 years. She was active in the church’s children department for decades, was an avid doll collector and enjoyed bowling. She really enjoyed being an egger where she was with friends decorating eggs. Mrs. Gates was an artist and caring person. While a lifelong resident of Cleveland, she also resided in Albany, GA, Camp LaJune, NC, Philadelphia, PA, Tampa, FL, and Washington, DC with her husband while he was serving in the US Marines.

Mrs. Gates was preceded in death by her parents: Walter Douglas Link and Mary Elizabeth Pirkle Link and was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Steven Gates; siblings: Joyce Sutton, Faye Monka, Ann Orr and Doug Link.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Bobby Austin Gates of Cleveland; daughter: Lenora Gates Conn and husband, Jody of Chattanooga, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Gates; grandchildren: Tracey Price Hill, Terran Price, and Charlie Gates; great-grandchildren: Austin Hill and Alyssa Hill; sister, June Hill.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Thacker officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Cemetery. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Gates family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.