Shelby Gates

Shelby Jean Gates, 79, of Fulton, passed away Monday, August 24, 2020 at Thomasville Regional Medical Center. She was born in Laurel, MS on January 9, 1941 to William Leon Smith and Mary Doris Joiner Smith Clemmons. A homemaker, she was 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 was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David Lamar Gates; son, William Joey Gates and granddaughter, Kristy Butler.

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; thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Choctaw Corner Cemetery in Thomasville with Terry Smith, Jr. officiating and Lathan Funeral Home directing. A visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Lathan Funeral Home in Grove Hill.

Pallbearers will be Chad Butler, Tyson Cumlander, Josh Henson, David Powell, Lane Ready and Willie Smith.

Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.