Mary McDougald Gates

July 18, 1947 - March 14, 2024

Mary McDougald Gates passed on to her eternal life in the presence of our Lord and Savior March 14, 2024. Mary was born in Iola, Texas July 18, 1947 to Dora and C. R. McDougald. Mary was married to the love of her life, Dennis Gates, June 12, 2003.

She graduated high school in Iola and received her BS Degree in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She began her teaching career in elementary schools in Bryan, Texas. After moving to San Antonio, Mary continued teaching at Oak Hills Terrace Elementary School from which she retired in 2002.

Mary was incredibly devoted to her family and friends and lived her life fully committed to following a life of service dedicated to her Lord and Savior. She faithfully worshipped and greatly impacted the lives of so many with her friendship and Christian faith. Her love of God, family and friends will be remembered by all who knew her.

Mary joined Trinity Baptist Church in 1985. She served as director of a class for many years and in other positions of leadership in the Single Adult Ministry as well as other areas of the church.

With the founding of The Fellowship of San Antonio in 2003, Mary and Dennis joined as charter members. She immediately felt called to begin the first ministry team of the church—Prayer Ministry—and served in that capacity with great dedication sharing prayer needs of countless individuals and families with the church membership. She personally gave support and encouragement to many whose names and needs were shared through prayer. Mary served as a deacon and as a trustee of The Fellowship and gave of her time and heart in almost every area of The Fellowship.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tommy McDougald; and sister-in-law, Barbara McDougald. Mary is survived by her husband, Dennis Gates; nephews, Troy McDougald and Skip McDougald; stepson, Joel (Stacey) Gates; stepdaughter, Leah Robertson; and step granddaughters, Emily (Jeremy) Copeland and Kaylee Robertson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Iola Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 220, Iola, TX 77861.

The Interment Service facilitated by Ron Hill, founding pastor of The Fellowship, will be Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at Concord Cemetery, 3008 FM 1696, Iola, TX 77861.