Dorothy J. Gates

Dorothy Juanita Howell Gates, age 88, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away Friday, December 18, 2015, in a Chattanooga hospital surrounded by her loving family.  She was a faithful member of Big Spring Baptist Church where she volunteered in many positions during her lifetime.  She retired from Jackson Manufacturing Co. where she worked as a payroll clerk.  She was a loving mother who enjoyed her family and the simple things of life.  She enjoyed making crafts.  She always had a warm smile.

 She is preceded in death by her parents, Margie Bacon Howell and Fred M. Howell; sisters, Minnie R. Howell, Nellie Howell Belcher and Reba Howell Lawson; brothers, Robert Howell, Randall Howell and Ira (Bud) Howell.

 She is survived by her daughters, Linda Gates Gentry and husband, Jim Gentry of Englewood, Kathy Gates Womac, Cleveland; sisters, Katherine Ensley and Helen Campbell both of Cleveland, TN; grandchildren, Kristy Gentry Cox and husband, Andy, Jamie Womac and wife, Muffin, Lisa Lewis and husband, Chris; great grandchildren, Matthew Womac, Tanner Garrett; great great grandson, Rylan Womac.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

 Graveside services will be held Sunday, December 20, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Rev. Daniel Malone officiating.  Jim Gentry, Andy Cox, Chris Lewis, Jamie Womac, Tanner Garrett and Matthew Womac will serve as pallbearers.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Big Spring Baptist Church, 1415 Hardwick Street S.E. Cleveland, TN  37311

 The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Grissom-Serenity Funeral Home who has charge of funeral arrangements.

 Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomserenity.com