Imogene Smith Gates

Imogene Smith Gates

Imogene Smith Gates, a godly woman full of encouragement and joy and always loving acceptance, left this earthly home here in Fort Pierce on Friday, March 25, 2022. She entered the Gates of Glory, a place she sang about daily- Home at Last!! She was surrounded by family and peace.

Imogene, better known as “Grandma” by her friends and family, was born in 1928 in Enigma, Georgia, a true southern lady! If she ever got upset with someone, she would only declare: “Bless their little heart!”

She was preceded in death by Charles Willoughby Gates (husband), Infant girl Gates (daughter), Charlie Paul Smith (father), Mamie Ira Abell Smith (mother), Shelly Gates (granddaughter), Mary Sue Manning Gates (daughter in law), Jerald Dean Bellamy (grandson in law), and 11 siblings.

She and her children had a “mutual admiration society”. They are: Larry W. Gates (Diane) of Fort Pierce, Charlene Cooper (Bill) of Fort Pierce, Derrell Gates of Fort Pierce, Roger Gates (Martha) of Fort Pierce. She was often surrounded by her 17 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren, who were eager to kiss and hug her smiling face!

Grandma was the last living charter member of Southside Baptist Church, where for years she sang in the choir.

She was the postmaster at the Enigma, Ga. post office. She diligently worked at Publix Supermarket for 25 years and many of her children and grandchildren are Publix associates even to this day.

Grandma Imogene Gates was definitely a woman to be praised and honored for she often proclaimed: “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!”

The visitation will be held at Southside Baptist Church on Weatherbee Road, Fort Pierce on April 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., a celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m., burial at White City Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Daffron officiating. Music led by Dr. Jeff Owens and pianist, Dwight Havener.