Evoyne Gates

Evoyne Gates, 95, of Kountze, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at her home surrounded by the love of her family.

Evoyne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was marked by her kindness, honest and straightforward spirit, and strength. She shared fifty-two years of marriage with her husband, Elvis Gates. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, filled with fishing trips, hard work on their farm, and a strong devotion to the family they loved so dearly.

Evoyne worked as a nurse and cared for the health needs of many people throughout the communities where she lived. In her later years, she ran and managed her own thriving blueberry farm. She loved playing the game of 42 with her friends, and quilting was one of her greatest passions. Each member of her family was gifted a special quilt she lovingly made by hand.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Sue Gates of Houston and Jeanie Gates and her partner, Butch Labove, of Lake Charles; her son, Jerry Gates and wife, Debra, of Kountze; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Gates of Kountze; and her brother-in-law, Joe Don Kennedy and his wife, Bonnie, of Groveton. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kristie Gates, Jodi Brockman and husband, BoJack, Jason Gates and wife, Skyla, Travis Gates and wife, Hallie, Tiffany Earley and husband, Matt, and Kimberly Hamm and husband, Larson; along with a host of loving nieces and nephews. Evoyne especially adored her great-grandchildren, Logan, Mattie, Shon, Cole, Jacob, Ella, Corban, Paisley, Jake, Ella, Luke, Lila, Willow, and Wyatt; and her great-great-grandchildren, Amos and Malachi.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvis Houston Gates; her parents, Maude and Mansel Stovall; her daughter, Janice Friday and husband, Jack Friday; her son, Gordon Gates; and her beloved sisters, Opal, Robbie, and Weeda.

Through every quilt she stitched, every field she tended, and every prayer she whispered, Evoyne wrapped her family in love and faith that will carry on for generations.