January 27, 1939 - July 28, 2025 

 Shirley Vera Jones Gates passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, at her home in Dayton, Tennessee. She was born in Ludington, Michigan, on January 27, 1939, to her late parents, Lonnie B. and Cecelia Julia Carlson Jones.  

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years,  Charlie, as well as her brothers Mert, Jim, and Ted.

Shirley is survived by her three sons, Mike (Stephanie), Steve (Teresa), and Fred (Stacey). She had 11 grandchildren: Grandkids Mark (Nicole), Christi (Schawnn), Bridget, Nathaniel (Alex), Daniele (Tyler), Kayla (Mitch), Brandon (Hanxu), Brittany (Sean), Ashley, Morgan (Dan), and Elijah (Cate). 21 Greatgrandkids:  Lillie, Ivy, Zach, Conner, Ali, Riley, Mason, Owen. Cayden, Logan, Nolan, Albert, Alex, Alexis, Jackson, Sullivan, Abbott, Iris, Frasier, Forrest, and Westley.

Shirley is also survived by her sister, Betty Jones; sister-in-law, Lyn Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Amedysis Hospice of Athens, Chaplin Michael Jackson, Dutchess Creasman, Betty Jones,  Christi Hammond, and Kesha for sitting and caring for Shirley over the four months.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home at 2:00 PM. Visitation will start at 1:00 PM and end at the time of the service.