Lillian Marcella Magby Gates was affectionately known as “Chuke” during her youth. Lillian was always available to provide a listening ear, words of encouragement, smiles and lend a hand in helping others. She instilled a sense of wonder and curiosity in her daughters and granddaughter and showed them by example that they can live a full and adventurous life. Lillian loved family and friends, community service, cultural arts, travel and exploring the world around her.
Lillian was born into the union of Beodus Otto Magby and Earlie Lee Benford Magby on April 17, 1932. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized into the Rehope Baptist Church in Five Points Alabama. Lillian attended Youth Sunday School weekly and served in the Sunbeam and Junior Auxiliaries.
Lillian attended elementary and high school in The Chambers County Alabama school system. From an early age, she and her sister Vivian Magby McCann shared duties on the family farm, including caring for the farm animals. This began her lifelong love of animals. Additionally, as a teen, she would drive the school bus to high school and sporting events. Chaperoned by her mom, this experience developed responsibility and independence.
She graduated from high school as class salutatorian; then attended Tuskegee Institute. While in school, she was active on the basketball and drill teams. In 1954 received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, she began her teaching career in Florida and Alabama. Lillian moved to New York City, worked and began graduate studies at Columbia University.
It was at this time that she became engaged to John Clayton Gates, who she would marry. Lillian and John moved to California to pursue opportunities. This 49.5 year marriage was an ongoing source of pride for both Lillian and John. Lillian was a loving mother to her daughters Alison and Pamela. Lillian instilled the importance of community service and volunteering in her daughters. She also enjoyed museum visits, attending the theater and music with her family.
Lillian taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District during her daughters’ formative years. She enjoyed teaching elementary children. She also enjoyed the long summers that she spent with her family on road trips, cruises and flights seeing national parks, various cities and returning to visit her dear family in Alabama. Lillian’s travels expanded; she traveled to five continents throughout her lifetime. Lillian practiced self-care and pursued her independent interests including bowling leagues, puzzles and walking fitness.
Lillian and John retired and moved to Las Vegas. They enjoyed the city’s resorts, casinos and beautiful desert scenery. She was also active in various activities as member of St. James Catholic Church. Lillian was Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, studied piano and participated in the Desert Breeze Bridge Club. During this period, she was blessed by the birth of her granddaughter Catheryn Danielle Cowings, who gave her immense pride and joy.
After the passing of her beloved husband, Lillian moved to San Francisco with her daughter Alison, where she was active in senior choir, bridge, attended local concerts, and various events and enjoyed life to its fullest.
Lillian entered into eternal rest on April 29, 2024. She leaves behind her sister Vivian Magby Mc Cann; daughters Alison Gates and Pamela Gates Cowings; a son-in-law Everett Cowings; granddaughter, Catheryn Danielle Cowings; first Cousins Anna Dora Washington and Jerome Higgins, Grace Brooks and Ellen Lucretia Wellborne, nephew Darrell Gates, niece Barbara Gates, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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