Winnie Lou Gatewood

Winifred Lou Gatewood, lovingly known as “Winnie,” passed away surrounded by family in Edmond, Oklahoma. She was born on June 6, 1934, in Wichita, Kansas, to John Joseph Morris and Cleo Ruth Morris (Gates).

Winnie graduated from Edmond Memorial High School, Class of 1952. Winnie met Donald Lavelle Gatewood and married him January 8, 1956. Being a proud Navy wife, she lived in numerous places including California, Maryland, and Hawaii before returning to Oklahoma in 1976, where she made her home. Winnie soon became the role of “Mother” to Donald’s Navy EOD Veteran’s Associations brotherhood from Vietnam. In 1977, Winnie became a widow and never remarried.

Winnie’s life was filled with simple joys. She loved country western music, the color pink, and could often be found outside in her garden, “playing in the dirt,” or enjoying a trip to Big Lots. She had a wonderful sense of humor and especially loved telling her “mom stories” that always started with her saying, “It was so funny”.

Her family remembers her as selfless, with a true mother’s heart. She consistently put the needs of others ahead of her own, and she loved everyone she met. Her greatest joy was when the family was together.

Winnie was an original member of Peace Lutheran Church, where her faith and fellowship were an important part of her life.

She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and unconditional love.

Winnie is preceded in death by her husband, Don, parents John and Cleo, brother Roger Morris and his wife Beverly, sisters Flora Miller and her husband David and Judy Scott and her husband Tony.

She is survived by her sons, Donald Lee Gatewood and wife Olga of Edmond, Oklahoma, John Lynn Gatewood of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Michael Lewis Gatewood and wife Kim of Edmond, Oklahoma, twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Winnie will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK.