Marilyn Lowe Gates

Marilyn Lowe Gates, age 66, of Duffield, Virginia, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 7, 2014. She was supported and surrounded by family and friends. Marilyn was the daughter of the late Carl Brooks Lowe and Eva Harman Lowe of Portsmouth, VA. Surviving her is her beloved husband, devoted caretaker and best friend of 20 years, James Gilliam Gates, of the home. She is also survived by her son, James Ryan Hall and daughter-in-law, Francis Hall, of Richmond, VA; her stepchildren, Kerri Landress, Jennifer Medina, and John Anderson (Andy) Gates of Jacksonville, FL; step-grandchildren, Gavin Medina, Justin Forshey and Brittany Forshey, all of Jacksonville, FL; sisters, Elaine Drewry Grim, Janet (Dick) Wern, Brenda (Bobby) Heuneman, and Nancy Ferebee; three nieces, one nephew, two great-nieces, one great-nephew, and a host of friends. Marilyn was born in Petersburg, West Virginia, and lived for many years in Portsmouth, VA before marrying and moving to Southwest VA. She was a graduate of Cradock High School, Portsmouth School of Beauty Culture, and Kee Business College. Marilyn worked as an Office Services Specialist with the Virginia Department of Transportation for 14 years and with the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy for 20 years. She was an active member of Three Bells United Methodist Church of Duffield, VA. Marilyn enjoyed singing with her husband, Jim, in a band called Jim Gates and “The Keykeepers,” writing songs, traveling, gardening, reading and most of all, spending time with family and friends. The family would like to thank all of her friends and family for their many cards, gifts, and most of all, their prayers. Visitation will be held at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service on Thursday, December 11, 2014, from 5-7:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m with Pastor Ed Blair of Three Bells United Methodist Church officiating. A committal service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2014 at Mt. Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Three Bells United Methodist Church, 308 Fugate Street, Duffield, VA 24244, in Mrs. Gates’ honor. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Gates family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.