Ms. Eva Gates, age 85, of Jasper, FL. passed away Monday, December 23, 2013 at Shands Lake Shore Hospital in Lake City, FL. following a brief illness. Ms. Gates was a native of Hamilton County born on August 31, 1928. She was predeceased by her parents, Jasper Talley Mathis, Lillie Mae Booth Mathis Royals and step father, George Royals, several siblings also preceded her in death.

Ms. Gates was a former resident of Live Oak, Florida and was the widow of the late Rev. John Gates. She made friends with just about everyone she ever met. Eva waitressed for many years and counted each customer as a new friend and will be missed by all who knew her over the years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Omar L. "Pete" and Gwendolyn Coleman; a step daughter, Krista Gates; her grandchildren whom she loved with all of her heart, Sondrea Etter (Mike) and Omar Coleman, Jr. (Cathy); her step granddaughter, Maura Vespie; her great grandchildren, Alexandrea Hitson, Wallace Coleman, Elizabeth Coleman, Rose Coleman, Brooke Coleman and step great granddaughter, Elaysia Crowley. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 at West Lake Church of God near Jennings, FL.
Interment followed at West Lake Cemetery beside her late husband.