Alma Gates

Alma Gene Mills Gates, aged 93, devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on December 7 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Columbia, a daughter of the late Otis Terrell Mills and Annie Sandifer Mills, and she was a lifelong resident of the Olympia Community where she was affectionately known as “Miss Alma.” Although she lived in the same one-mile radius her whole life, she touched lives far and wide with her gratitude, inexhaustible love, and warm sweet smile.

Mrs. Gates was a lifelong member of Whaley Street United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, taught children’s Sunday School, and never missed a Vacation Bible School until sidelined by heart surgery at the age of 84. Her faith in God was strong and unbending, she never missed a church service whenever she was able to attend and imparted to her family her love of God and the church.

“Miss Alma” loved everyone unreservedly, and children in particular. She taught kindergarten for many years and later retired as a Senior Citizen Director for Columbia Parks & Recreation at Pacific Park. Before and during her working life, she raised her own children lovingly. She was a fantastic cook, and even in the leanest of times, she could always find an extra spot at the table for Sunday dinner. After her retirement, she visited shut-ins for as long as she was able, and even when shut-in herself, she still unfailingly sent cards. Anyone who knew her knew what it felt like to be loved and remembered.

Other than her parents, Alma was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Larry Edward Gates, a sister, Frances M. Faulkner, a brother, Otis T. “Terry” Mills, Jr., a granddaughter, Linda Marie Gates, and a great-grandson, Andrew Michael Dove. She is survived by her six loving children, Larry E. Gates, Jr. (Linda) or Conway, S.C., Phillip W. Gates (Barbara) of Greenwood, S.C., Marie G. Watson (Bob Silva) of Columbia, S.C., John T. Gates of Appleton, Wisconsin, Harry Alton Gates (Laura) and Glenn M. Gates (Nora) both of Columbia. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. We love you, Mama. The family remains grateful for her life-long friend Mary Louise Lucas, her caregivers, Janie, Sandra, and Priscilla, and the kind attentiveness of the staff at Lexington Medical Center.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 9, at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, December 10, at Whaley Street United Methodist Church with interment at the family plot in Olympia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Whaley Street United Methodist Church (517 Whaley St. Columbia, SC 29201).