Alma Geneva Gates

Alma Geneva Gates, age 92 of Niota, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at her residence. A native of Happy Valley and a resident of Paint Rock, Maple Grove Community, and McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Charles Albert and Cora Amison Hearon, and step mother Ruby Hearon. She loved tending to her garden and flowers, She enjoyed tidying the house and was a spectacular cook. She often talked about standing in a chair making cornbread at the age of 6. She loved her family and was the matriarch of the family and was loved by all. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Ben Gates (2000);  son, Donnie Ray Gates; grandson, Randy Gates, infant sister and several other brothers and sisters, 
Survivors
Two sons and daughters-in-law,
Ralph and Bobbie Ann Gates of Riceville
Larry and  Barbara Gates of Niota
daughter-in-law Sharen Gates of Niota
Brother and sister-in-law,
Jack and Rita Hearon of Ten Mile
Sisters, Joyce Brock of Knoxville, Betty Whitted of  Maryville
 Four Grandchildren, Michael Gates, Valeria Nolan (Chris), Hannah Davidson (Scott), Riley Gates; Eleven great-grandchildren. Two great-great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews. 
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Jennie Byrd and her nurse Christy.
Graveside services will be at 3:00pm Friday, October 16, 2020 at McMinn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycockhobbs.com/notices/Alma-Gates Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.