Judy Bardwell Gates

Our beloved Judy Bardwell Gates passed away August 22, 2025. She was born September 27, 1941, in Shreveport to William Oscar Bardwell and Margaret Elizabeth Woolley Bardwell.

Judy graduated from Fair Park High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she attended from 1959 to 1962. She was also part of the first class of the Mollie E. Webb School for the Deaf, located on Line Avenue. In 1962, she married Cecil Gates. An accomplished horsewoman, Judy won five Louisiana state high school barrel racing championships between 1958 and 1962. Later in life, she rekindled her passion for riding and went on to win numerous competitions across the southern United States. She enjoyed a long and dedicated career with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 30 years of service. In addition to her love of horses, she enjoyed accompanying her husband Cecil on quail hunts and watching the dogs work. Judy was an inspiration to all—championing inclusiveness for people with disabilities and proving that barriers could be broken in work, hobbies, and horsemanship. She was both fiercely competitive and deeply loving, qualities she carried with her until the very end.

Judy is survived by her husband, Cecil E. Gates; her son, William (Bubba) G. Gates and daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Wright Gates; and her grandson, William (Jay) James Gates.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. with services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025, located at Open Range Fellowship, 9950 US-80, Greenwood, LA 71033. Officiating the service will be Pastor Dennis Aaron. Burial will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd, Shreveport, LA 71109.