Published: October 05, 2008 12:16 pm            

Mrs. Amos Gates-Mary Elizabeth Brownlee Gates

Mrs. Amos Gates-Mary Elizabeth Brownlee Gates, beloved wife of the late Judge Amos A. Gates and mother of Mary Frances Gates Gibbons passed away on September 10, 2008, at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas. She was the younger sister of Corinne B. (Dub) Young and aunt of Charlyne Young, with whom she lived for several years. They always provided great love and wonderful support and care for her, especially during her last years in Dallas. Another especially important support to her was her devoted granddaughter Ronda “Tweet” Gibbons. She and “Nonnie” had a remarkable friendship.

Known to many as “Sister” and to most of her family as “Nonnie,” she was born on July 31, 1921, in Colfax, Louisiana, to Clara Wells Brownlee and William A. Brownlee. Her father’s work with Kirby Lumber Company took the family to Village Mills and then to Silsbee, Texas, where she grew up. She moved to Huntsville to attend Sam Houston State Teachers College where she was a nationally recognized champion twirler with the Bearkat Band. She and Amos married in 1940 and had a beautiful life together, but people sometimes marveled because they married the day they met. It was truly “love at first sight.” Thus, Huntsville was her home from 1940 until 2003 when she moved to Dallas.

Mrs. Gates served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 in Walker County for 17 years after Amos’ sudden death in 1983. She was named to serve in his place until the next election. After that, she was elected to the position and-as Judge Mary Elizabeth Gates — she served the citizens of Precinct 1 well. As a devoted wife and mother, this was the only job she ever held; however, she worked tirelessly as a volunteer to support the Democratic Party throughout her entire life. She enjoyed her work in the JP’s office and knew about the rigors and requirements of the job, having learned extensively about state and county laws and regulations from Amos during his 25 years as County Judge of Walker County. Her books always balanced — a fact she was most proud of — and she always did her best to serve her constituents professionally and ethically.

An intelligent woman with a great memory, Judge Gates had been an avid reader and was a huge fan of politics. This year had been especially exciting for her. She was also a wonderful gardener. She knew about all species of plants, especially roses — her favorite-and the proper care of each one.

She is also survived by her daughter Mary Frances Gibbons and son-in-law Dr. H. Eugene Gibbons; two granddaughters: Ronda Gibbons and Dr. Wells Gibbons Housson (Dr. Matthew Housson); three great-granddaughters: Elizabeth Brownlee Housson, Catherine Wells Housson, and Anne Frances Housson. She is also survived by Toby Gates, her brother-in-law. Honorary pallbearers are Toby Gates, Dr. Thomas Cole, Dr. Jack Kerr, Darrel White, B.J. Gaines, Dr. Charles Wagamon, Gene Lockhart and James Patton.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2008, at Saint Thomas Catholic Church. A reception will follow in the parish hall of Saint Thomas Catholic Church. Any remembrances and/or remarks by friends will be encouraged and welcomed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

For those wishing to leave condolences for the family, they may do so at www.shmfh.com.

        

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