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Willie Morrison Barger Gates, 93, of Mooresville, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. She was born on May 29, 1922 in Mooresville, to the late John Vastine and Bessie Flowers Barger. Mrs. Gates was a graduate of Mooresville Central High School and later attended Lenoir Rhyne College. She then graduated from Meredith College in 1943. Upon graduation, she was one of three chosen as a mathematician to work at Langley Field at what was the precursor to NASA. Mrs. Gates was a retired Math teacher from the Mooresville Graded School District. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Mooresville, where she was a member of the choir, Anita Stewart Circle, Joy Group, Upper Room Sunday School class, and was president of United Methodist Women. Mrs. Gates was a member of the Mooresville Cotillion Club and the Town of Mooresville Beautification Committee. She was a winner on the National Syndicated TV program The Price is Right in 1961. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Brooks Gates, Sr.; sisters, Mildred B. Sherrill, Lois B. Curran; brother, John V. Barger, Jr.; and great grandson, Joshua James Gates. She is survived by her children, Ann Gates Newsome and husband, Troy of Tampa, FL, Charles B. Gates, Jr. and wife, Patsy of Houston, TX, Jane Gates Bradley and husband, Rob of Greensboro, Robert H. Gates and wife, Denise of Mooresville; grandchildren, Caroline Newsome Stringer and husband, Mike, David Newsome, James and Richard Gates, Robert and Rachel Bradley, Daniel, Matt, Rebecca and Mackenzie Gates, Marshall and Emily Horsman; and great grandchildren, Sloane and Eames Stringer, Ava and Asher Gates. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 20 at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Sherrill officiating. This is the 36th anniversary of the death of her beloved Charlie. Burial will follow the service at Glenwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Heritage House of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 214 N Academy St, Mooresville, NC 28115 or Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28625.

Tributes

Willie Barger Gates

May 29, 1922 - January 12, 2016