Gwendolyn Marie "Gwen" Gates

Gwendolyn Marie Gates, daughter of the late Joseph Simpson and Geneva Small, was born October 7, 1957 in Jasper County, South Carolina and departed this life on August 29, 2025, in Ridgeland, SC.

Gwendolyn, lovingly known to friends as "Gwen" and to her family as "Ree" graduated from Beach High School class of 1975. Upon graduation Gwen attended Draughns Junior College where she obtained a Medical Assistant Certification and entered the medical profession. During her life she also enjoyed working in customer service as well as with the geriatric population.

Gwen loved to travel, go fishing and crabbing with her family and enjoyed playing cards and cooking. She was known as the life of the party, and never met a stranger. Gwen would make friends where-ever she went.

Gwendolyn was a strong woman with strong faith; she gracefully fought an over 10-year battle with cancer.

Early on Gwendolyn was a member of Duffy Street Baptist Church and served as a member of the choir and usher board. Later she joined Connexion United Methodist Church where she was under the watchful care of Pastor Cuthbret.

Gwen was preceded in death by her mother, father and very special friend Varneal Mack. Gwen leaves to cherish her memory three loving and loyal sons Marquis (Michelle) of Fayetteville, NC, Earl (Renee) of Latta, SC, and Sidney (Makelya) of Lillington, NC. Nine special grandchildren, Marquis, Brianna, TySean, TaiVion, Milan, Deonte, Javon, Sidney Jr, and Magnus. Four wonderful great-grandchildren, Harmony, Kamron, Bryson, and Trenton. She also leaves to cherish her memory a dedicated and lifelong best friend Ms. Arleda Bowman, and a host of cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Families First Funeral Care Chapel, located at 1328 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, GA 31405.