Clarke County Democrat

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Shelby Jean Gates, 79, of Fulton, passed away Monday, Aug. 24, 2020 at Thomasville Regional Medical Center.

She was born Jan. 9, 1941 in Laurel, Miss. to William Leon Smith and Mary Doris Joiner Smith Clemmons. She was a homemaker and an excellent mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. Her hobbies included fishing, cooking and yard work, especially tending her flowers.

She is survived by her children, Deborah (Warren) Anderson, Richard Lamar Gates, Bruce Allen Gates, Debra (Jay Bright) Cumlander; siblings, Patricia Ann (Clarence) Harvell, William Terry (Rita) Smith, James Neil Smith; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David Lamar Gates; son, William Joey Gates and granddaughter, Kristy Butler.

The service was Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. at Choctaw Corner Cemetery in Thomasville with Terry Smith Jr. officiating.

Active pallbearers were Chad Butler, Tyson Cumlander, Josh Henson, David Powell, Lane Ready and Willie Smith.

Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.

Lathan Funeral Home directed.

(34-1tp)

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