Evoyne Gates

Evoyne Gates, 95, of Kountze, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at her home surrounded by the love of her family.

Evoyne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was marked by her kindness, honest and straightforward spirit, and strength. She shared fifty-two years of marriage with her husband, Elvis Gates. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, filled with fishing trips, hard work on their farm, and a strong devotion to the family they loved so dearly.

Evoyne worked as a nurse and cared for the health needs of many people throughout the communities where she lived. In her later years, she ran and managed her own thriving blueberry farm. She loved playing the game of 42 with her friends, and quilting was one of her greatest passions. Each member of her family was gifted a special quilt she lovingly made by hand.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Sue Gates of Houston; Jeanie Gates and her partner, Butch Labove, of Lake Charles; her son, Jerry Gates and wife, Debra, of Kountze; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Gates of Kountze; and her brother-in-law, Joe Don Kennedy and his wife, Bonnie, of Groveton.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kristie Gates; Jodi and husband, BoJack Brockman; Jason and wife, Skyla Gates; Travis and wife, Hallie Gates; Tiffany and husband, Matt Earley; and Kimberly and husband, Larson Hamm; along with a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Evoyne especially adored her great-grandchildren, Logan, Mattie, Shon, Cole, Jacob, Ella, Corban, Paisley, Jake, Ella, Luke, Lila, Willow, and Wyatt; and her great-great-grandchildren, Amos and Malachi.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvis Houston Gates; her parents, Maude and Mansel Stovall; her daughter, Janice Friday and husband, Jack Friday; her son, Gordon Gates; and her beloved sisters, Opal, Robbie, and Weeda.

Pallbearers will be her dear grandsons: Jason Gates, Luke Gates, Travis Gates, Wyatt Gates, Cole Horton, Jake Horton, BoJack Brockman, Matt Earley, and Larson Hamm.

A gathering of Mrs. Gates' family and friends will be 10:00 a.m., with her funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 100 West Monroe Street, Kountze, under the direction of Broussard's, 530 West Monroe Street, Kountze. The service will be officiated by Daniel White and Harold Gates. There will be no graveside service to follow.

Through every quilt she stitched, every field she tended, and every prayer she whispered, Evoyne wrapped her family in love and faith that will carry on for generations.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Peggy Sellers, Debbie Riley, and Stephanie Luce at the Kidney Center for their excellent and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Evoyne's memory by making a donation to Armor Christian Academy or First Baptist Church, 100 West Monroe, Kountze.