Helen Gates
Helen Jonopulos Gates, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, died on March 28, 2012.
Helen found joy in giving of herself to her family, friends and church. She is remembered by her children for her warm and loving presence and for making a home that was always welcoming to friends and strangers alike. Helen had a special place in her heart for her eight grandchildren, Theresa Watson, Willie Gates, Elainie Robinson, Lea Gray, Dan Gates, Emilie Jones, Ronnie Evans and Hank Evans, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and she never tired of being with them. Her 63-year-long marriage to husband Bill provided the foundation for her family and a model for lifelong commitment to each of her children.
Helen was devoted to her friends and was always ready to offer support and comfort - and a good meal - to anyone in need. The grace evident in her life flowed from her faith and the strength she drew from the community at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Helen knew God’s presence in both the majesty of Sunday services as well as the church kitchen cooking alongside her beloved friends.
She attended Notre Dame High School and the University of Chattanooga where a love of books took root and eventually led her to volunteer at the Signal Mountain Library and join the Signal Mountain Literary Guild. At various times she worked in her father’s downtown restaurant, George’s Famous Hamburgers, as well as Gates Signal Garden, a restaurant that she ran with Bill. Her most important commitments, however were always to those she loved. And they never doubted it.
In addition to Bill, Helen is survived by her sister, Connie Atchley; son George Gates and his wife Nora; daughter Anthie Sutterfield and her husband Al; son Mickey Gates and his wife Carol; and daughter Emilie Evans and her husband Keith.
The family will receive visitors from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, at Alexian Inn (old hotel) at Alexian Village on Signal Mountain with a prayer service at 6 p.m.
A service will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 725 Glenwood Ave., Chattanooga, on Monday, April 2, at 11 a.m., with Reverend Stavros Ballas and Reverend Nicholas Harbatis officiating.
Burial will follow at National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Woody Atchley, Mark Atchley, Dan Atchley, Ronnie Evans, Hank Evans, Dan Gates, Ron Lee, George Sloan. Honorary Pallbearers are Nicholas Kalanzis, George G. Ellis, and William L. Brown.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen's name to the Annuniciation Greek Orthodox Church, 725 Glenwood Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.