Mrs. Gates was a resident of Charles County for over 70 years, a homemaker, and a member of St. Paul's "Piney" Church in Waldorf. She and her husband loved crabbing and spending time at their home on the water with family and friends. She loved traveling all over the United States with her husband and reminiscing about their adventures. She enjoyed family reunions in Washington and Virginia and most of all spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

At the time of her death, she was a resident at Abbey Manor Assisted Living. She loved her "Abbey family" and especially her dear friend Jackie.

Daughter of the late George William Coppage and the late Florence Virginia Lake Coppage.

Predeceased by her parents and her husband of 57 years, Earl P. "Bug" Gates, Jr.

Survived by her son, Thomas W. Robey and his wife Jan of Montross, VA; daughters, Joyce G. Lyon and her husband G.O. of La Plata, MD, Pamela L. Jackson and her husband David of Waldorf, and Patti G. Gates of St. Augustine, FL. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM with prayers at 7PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel (5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646). Funeral Service: Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 11AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Piney Parish (4535 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, MD 20604) Clergy: Rev. Dr. Joy A. Rose, TSFF Interment: Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the church cemetery. Pallbearers: Grandsons Chris Cox, Jason Lynch, Patrick Lyon, Corey Legagneaux, great-grandson Jimmy Cox and friend William Breitenbach.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Piney Parish (PO Box 272, Waldorf, MD 20604).

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.