WOODRUFF – Gladys Roper Gates, 83, of 1561 Old Switzer Road, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at Regional Hospice Home.

A native of Spartanburg County, she was the daughter of the late Melvin R. and Nellie Peace Roper and widow of Theodore Paul “Pee Wee” Gates. She was a retired textile employee with Reeves Bros. Mills Plant, formerly in Woodruff, and was a member since 1950 of Switzer First Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Donnie P. Gates and his wife, Toni, of Gaffney; a brother, Ralph J. Roper and his wife, Pat, of Palm Desert, Calif.; a sister, Shirley Roper Henson of Startex; three grandchildren, Heidi Gates Godfrey and her husband, Rev. Daniel Godfrey, of Chesnee, Brandon P. Gates of Gaffney, Caroline M. Gates of Gaffney, and a special granddaughter, Nikki Pruitt; and a great-granddaughter, Chloie Godfrey. Mrs. Gates is also survived by a special nephew, Tim Henson, and a former daughter-in-law, Susan Edwards Gates Graham and her husband, Freddie. She is survived by special friends, William and Ruby Jeffers, and special caregivers, Erma Throne, Carolyn Smith, Jesse Tollison, Linda Miller and Shirley White; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Gates was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy W. Gates; a brother, George (Buddy) Roper; and a sister, Margaret Roper Belue.

The family would like to offer a sincere thank you to Dr. Ronald Littlefield and staff, Regional Hospice Home, and the staff of Spring Arbor Assisted Living for all their special care of Mrs. Gates.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 3- 5 p.m. at Lanford Funeral Home, 257 N. Main St., Woodruff.

Services will be conducted Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at Switzer First Baptist Church by the Rev. Michael Owings, Rev. Daniel Godfrey, Dr. Tim Huckaby and Dr. William C. Pate Jr. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Switzer First Baptist Church,1634 Old Switzer Road, Moore, S.C. 29369.

The family is at the residence, 1561 Old Switzer Road, Woodruff.