GATES

DOBSON — Ms. Martha Catherine Jackson Gates, 76, of Dobson, passed from this life to Glory in the comfort of her home on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Surry County on Feb. 1, 1935, to the late Culmer and Mary Dobbins Jackson. Ms. Gates was retired from the Surry County School System and a devoted member of Dobson First Baptist Church. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she devoted her life to her family and to serving God. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Sharon Gates-Hodges of the home, Amanda Gates Holt and husband Doug of Westfield, Bennett Gates and fiancé Debra Burgess of Cornelius and Brian and wife Sherry Gates of Dobson; her beloved grandchildren, whom she adored, Taryn Campbell, Jakob Holt, Maggie Holt, Jackson Gates and Cannon Gates; a great-grandchild, Noah Campbell; and a very special friend, Barbara Steele. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gates was preceded in death by the father of her children, Bennett Knight Gates. Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, at the Dobson First Baptist Church by the Rev. Corey Honeycutt, the Rev. Van Lankford and the Rev. Justin Nelson with burial to follow in Dobson City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday where her body will remain until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative for the loving, compassionate care shown them during this difficult time. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.