Beverly Laidlaw Gates' Obituary
Beverly Laidlaw Gates, affectionately known as “Gram” passed away peacefully on May 29, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelors in Education. Beverly was a lifelong active member of the Gamma Zeta Chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity. She married the love of her life, Dr. Harlan Gates II, on Nov 25, 1953. She worked at The Memphis Oral School For the Deaf as an administrative assistant. In retirement, Beverly enjoyed bible study, bunco, garden club, alumni activities for Alpha Gamma Delta, traveling with her best friends and escaping to her Pickwick cabin. Harlan and Beverly cherished entertaining their friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Laidlaw, her beloved husband, Dr. Harlan Gates II, her much loved grandson, James Eric Lee, and her son-in-law, Benjy DeGuzman. She leaves behind three daughters, Randol DeGuzman, Diane Gates and Mari (Steve) Allison; 2 granddaughters, Britney (Wesley) Holliman and Lacey Allison; and 3 great-granddaughters, Gracie Holliman, Cheyenne and Dakota DeGuzman. Family and friends will gather at 1:30 pm for the 2 pm graveside service, Friday, June 1 at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery on Poplar Avenue. A reception will immediately follow at Memorial Park’s Parkside Event Center. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to a charitable organization of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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