Evelyn Juanita (Phillips) Gates

With deepest and heartfelt sympathy, we announce the passing from this life of Mrs. Evelyn Juanita (Phillips) Gates, 78, a resident of 9003 Doublehead Road, Roanoke, Alabama.  Mrs. Gates transitioned from this life on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at her home in Roanoke. 

Evelyn was born February 9, 1942 in Roanoke, Alabama to the parentage of the late Willie and Mattie (Burrow) Phillips.  She received a State Of Alabama High School Equivalency Certificate in 1977.  She was employed for 35 years for the Randolph County Hospital as a Nursing Assistant for newborns.  Following her retirement from the Randolph County Hospital, she was employed for a short period at Traylor's and Rosser's Nursing Homes as a Nursing Assistant.

Evelyn was a dedicated health care professional, receiving numerous awards and certificates:  Nurses Aid Certificate, 1965; Lee County Hospital Merit Award Certificate for Nursing Assistants Staff Development Program for Newborns, 1976; and High-Risk Approach for Newborns Certification, 1977.

Evelyn was a faithful member of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Abanda, Alabama, where she was a member of the Choir, Missionary Society, and Matrons Department.  She served until her health failed.  

She was married to the late Tommie Lewis Gates and to this union one son, Ray Nelson Gates, was born,

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents: Mattie and Willie Phillips; Brothers: Luther and Walter Phillips; and sisters: Christine Smedley, Lillian Phillips, Dera Phillips and Vera Heath.

She leaves cherished memories to her son: Ray Nelson Gates of Roanoke, Alabama; six (6) Nieces: Dena P. Crosby, of Louisville, KY, Bernice P. Holman of Birmingham, AL, Janice P. Winston of Atlanta, GA, Joanna P. Stone of Birmingham, AL, Jackie P. Ray of Roanoke, AL, and Annie L. Whatley of Washington, DC; nine (9) Nephews: Reverend William Phillips (Georgia) of Roanoke, Alabama, Luther T. Phillips, Calvin Phillips, Willie Walter Phillips (Sarah) Kenneth Phillips (Nanette), Raymond Phillips, and Bennie Higgins, all of Roanoke, Alabama, and  James Phillips (Vicky) of Washington, DC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evelyn Juanita (Phillips) Gates, please visit our floral store.