Shirley M. Gates

Shirley M. Gates, age 91, passed away on June 27, 2022, in Orlando, FL, with her family and friends by her side, of complications from a stroke. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend is at peace. Her love and kindness will remain in our hearts and carry us on. Shirley was always impeccably dressed, never a hair out of place and perfect makeup (the powder room is now free). There were never strangers in her life, only future friends.

Shirley was born in Akron on June 19, 1931, and resided in Orlando, FL, since 2011. Shirley’s passions were her deep love of family and friends, fashion, and helping others succeed.

Shirley was a graduate of Garfield High School and began her career in downtown Akron at O’Neil’s department store and Scott’s Five and Dime store as a manager and head cashier. Her life changed when she met Albert at jitterbug dance clubs called Puffy & Louie’s and East Market Garden.

Shirley retired from the Professional Bowlers’ Association and Edward Elias Celebrity Management Agency. She was in communications with such people as bowlers Don Carter and Dick Weber, golfer Chi Chi Rodrigues and entertainer Phil Donahue. She also retired from Rainbow Furs & Boutique Company where she worked side by side with the late Rainy Gates Stitzlein and was involved in the sale of fur coats with such celebrities as Marlo Thomas. Her enthusiasm, love of fashion, and organizational skills contributed highly to the success of these organizations.

She will be missed but not forgotten for her generous loving heart and loyalty to her family and friends. Preceded in death by her father and mother Stanley and Alice Miller; brother, Stanley Miller, Jr; husband, Albert Jeremiah Gates, Jr; and grandson Maximilian Gates; she is survived by her children Belinda (Rob) Boucher of Stow; Albert J. Gates III of Cuyahoga Falls; Lawrence (Jacqueline) Gates and Jennifer (Mark) Renert of Florida; grandchildren Linnea and Katrina Edorsson; Robert (Abby) Boucher and Rainy Boucher; Ella and Taylor Gates; great grandchildren Abel and Augustin Boucher; niece and nephew Beckey and Douglas Miller; and many other nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Unity Chapel of Light Church, 503 Northwest Ave, Tallmadge, Ohio, with Spiritual Leader Bruce Price and Rev. Richard Schumacher officiating and soloist Barbara Bellamy of Colorado. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park immediately following. Friends and family may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, August 5, 2022.

Memorial donations may be made to Unity Chapel of Light Church, 503 Northwest Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.

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