Mary C. Williams-Gates

Mary C. Williams-Gates, 58, of Madison, passed away after losing her fight with cancer on Sunday, February 5, 2012.

She was a strong, independent woman who as a single mother showed nothing was impossible if you had the desire and determination to see it through.

She was actively involved in real estate and property management. She was a member of many professional and civic organizations. Gates managed the Heritage House Apartments for approximately 16 years where she and her staff won many prestigious awards, including Property Manager of the Year and Best in Show.

Her greatest joy was to spend time with her grandchildren, whether it was going on vacation, weekend rendezvous, or just simply partaking in watching them play their various sports, she enjoyed every minute. Her other favorite pastimes were getting to lounge by her pool and her “ladies night out” on Fridays. Her motto was always “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.”

She was a Christian, who believed in God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. She enjoyed spending her Sunday mornings watching Allen Jackson of the World Outreach Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Bynum Thrasher and Elsie Kenner Price Thrasher; her brother, Cary Thrasher; and her faithful four legged companions, Ringo and Kobe. There is no doubt that all those mentioned were ready to welcome her with open arms and wagging tails as she entered into the Gates of Heaven.

She is survived and missed by her son and daughter-in-law, Hank and Nikki Williams; grandchildren, Tori, Sydney, Lexie, and Eli, all of Pikeville; her companions, Cuba, Prissy, and Sarah; and many special friends.

A celebration of her life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Mary’s honor to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN, 37203.

Arrangements were made by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home in Nashville.