Emma Gates

Emma Gates, 88, of Elkhart, died at 11:36 pm, October 23, 2010 at Elkhart General Hospital. She was born April 22, 1922 in Memphis, TN to Harrison and Isola (Annison) Goodwyn. She married Charlie Gates and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by 3 sons William Gates, Sylvester (Barbara) Gates and Michael Gates, daughter Diane Gates, all of Elkhart; 16 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Buddy, Len, Joe and Junior Goodwyn; sisters Willie Mae Meade and Lillie Harris; and one grandson.

She retired from Executive House in Chicago after working as a maid for 30 years.

Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the 11 am service Monday at Community Missionary Baptist Church, 228 Chapman Ave. Rev. Lefate Owens will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home at Cobblestone Crossing, Elkhart, is handling arrangements for the family.