Virginia L. Gates

Virginia McLeod Gates, our beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024 in Tallahassee, Florida at the age of 102. Virginia was born on January 27, 1922 in Grady County, Georgia to the late Andrew Jackson McLeod and the late Arie Bailey McLeod Hendry.

Virginia relocated to Florida with her family and they settled in Taylor County (Perry), Florida. Virginia was educated in the Taylor County School System and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1939.

Virginia had strong faith in God. Worship and praise was near and dear to her heart. When she lived in Orlando, she was a member of First Methodist Church of Orlando. When she moved to Tallahassee, she was a faithful member of the Immanuel Baptist of Church of Tallahassee.

Known for her kindness, strong will and independence, she was an exceptional cook and took pride in cooking delicious meals for her family and friends. She was an accomplished seamstress. She was blessed with a “green-thumb”. She adored flowers, especially roses and lilies. Virginia was known for arranging the flowers at her church. She loved the outdoors. Fishing for specks with her late husband Harry was one of her absolute favorite things. She also loved the Atlanta Braves and traveling around the United States and abroad with her husband. Virginia loved the arts. She loved to “dabble” in different genres, making her quite versed in many. She took painting lessons (flowers of course). She designed and created her granddaughter’s christening dress, bonnet and even tried her hand at quilting. She made a blanket for her granddaughter Ashley. One of her prized quilts was one made of individual round circles assembled together to create a spectacular visual display!

Those left to mourn her passing and cherish her memories are her daughter, Janice Green; her son, Donald (Echo) Gates, her most precious grandchildren, Katherine (Will) Davis, Will Gates, Elliot Davis, Grady Davis; great-granddaughter, Cannon Davis and her sister, Lydia Andrews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Gates; her father, Andrew Jackson McLeod, mother, Arie Bailey McLeod Hendry; brothers, Thomas E. McLeod, Elmer “Mac” McLeod, Pershing McLeod; sisters, Annie Mae Sheffield and Nelda Tedder.

A Service of Celebration and Memory in Honor of Virginia will be held 11AM Monday, October 21, 2024 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home (700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312). There will be a reception immediately follow the service in the Azalea Room of Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home.

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