Martha Ann Gates

Martha Ann Gates, age 89, of De Berry, Texas, passed away on Friday night, November 6, 2026, in Carthage, Texas. Martha Ann Maines was born on September 1, 1937, in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, to the late James Ernest and Mary Victoria Brown Maines. She graduated from Mansfield High School in Mansfield, Louisiana, with the class of 1955. Martha married Joe Weldon Gates, Sr. on May 17, 1955, and they shared 64 wonderful years together before his passing in 2019.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Gates enjoyed a varied and fulfilling career. She worked as a secretary in the oil and gas industry, was involved in the greenhouse and cattle businesses, and spent many years working as a paralegal. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Waskom, where she faithfully attended and was a member of the Althea Sunday School Class. Mrs. Gates enjoyed cooking and traveling, but her greatest joy came from caring for her family. She had a loving and giving heart and took great pride in looking after those she held dear. Her love and devotion to her family will be a cherished part of her legacy, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Gates was also preceded in death by her brother, James Ernest “Bud” Maines, Jr.; and sister, Alice Fazio.

She is survived by her sons, Joe W. Gates, Jr. and wife Oveta Kay and Jeffery Lynn Gates and wife Patty; daughters, Sonya Gwynn Tice and husband John and Shaunda Leigh Roberts and husband Randy; grandchildren, Ashleigh DeSoto, Rusty Gates, Tyler Basco, Asa Basco, Zach Mills, Sara Moseley, and Rikki Harris; and a host of great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

If desired, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Gates' memory to First Baptist Church Waskom, 185 Colquitt Street, Waskom, Texas 75692, or to a charity of your choice.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.