Anna Louise Gates

Anna was born on November 8, 1959, in Demopolis Alabama.

Anna was the 2nd child born to her parents, Charles Gates and Carrie Mae White. As the younger sister to Betty Ann, Anna was affectionately known as “Little Sister”. Growing up in Demopolis is where her deep religious roots began while attending Eastern Star Baptist Church. Anna developed a love for cooking that was passed down from her mother. Eventually she became her mother’s right hand as she assisted with the caregiving of her younger sister Sandra.

Anna was not much for socializing in traditional High School activities, however she loved to attend school dances with her brother Dennis. In addition, Anna and Dennis would attend church activities and revivals during her time at Demopolis High School.

After graduation, Anna decided to leave her southern roots in Demopolis and move to the Pacific Northwest settling on Portland, Oregon where her father had relocated. Anna began a career in the hospitality industry.

Shortly after arriving in Portland, she met and began a courtship with Cedric Johnson Sr. They welcomed their only child, Cedric Johnson Jr., on May 22, 1982. Tragically, their relationship ended when Cedric Sr. passed away unexpectedly in 1987.

Despite her pathways in life, Anna never strayed far away from her Christian upbringing. Anna took the common phrase “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” to heart ensuring that her household stayed clean to her high standards. As a single mother, she found her church home at Cornerstone Community Church (C.O.G.I.C) under the leadership of Superintendent B.E. Johnson. Anna was heavily involved in the church by singing in the choir, becoming a member of the Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) auxiliary department, attending Tuesday night Bible Band, and Thursday Pastoral Night. Her favorite activity outside of Sunday service was to attend church shut-in’s and prayer meetings. She made a tradition out of cooking Sunday dinner or going out to eat at local buffets.

It was shortly thereafter that Anna switched her career path into healthcare and met and married Charles L Bailey. Together they welcomed a son, Charles M. Bailey on June 5, 1991, and daughter, Regina Bailey, on July 9, 1997. They remained married until he passed away on January 30, 2021.

Anna was a strong woman who was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes which ultimately took her eyesight. She remained steadfast in God’s word and plan for her life. Anna battled through her health challenges until her passing on December 31, 2023. Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Mae White & Charles Gates, and siblings: Sandra Joyce White, Dennis Williams, & Tony Gates.

Anna is survived by her stepmother, Thelma Lucille Gates, children: Cedric Johnson Jr. (Daughter-in-law Dominique), Charles M Bailey, & Regina Bailey; Grandchildren: Demir, Malique, Kalani, Cedric III, Telijah, Zemaj & Jakob Johnson, Char’lei & Gianna Bailey, Kendric & Kamira Anna Hemphill (expected May 23, 2024); siblings: Betty Ann Cuffee, Charles Gates Jr., Curtis White, Gary White, Brenda White Martin (Brother-in-law Willie), Michael Gates, Carla Gates, Ronnie Terrell White (Sister-in-law Lisa ), Jacqueline Elaine White (Brother-in-law Anthony), Sheila Gates, Allen Gates, Kenneth Dwayne White (Sister-in-law Alisa), Kristie Gates, Samantha White-Jones (Brother-in-law Keone), Earnest White, Norma Gates, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

A funeral service will occur on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Eastside Imago Dei Community Church, 3130 SE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97236.

A repast will follow immediately at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 4566 NE 87th Ave, Portland, OR 97220.

Anna will be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in the Garden of Sunset View at a later date.

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