FEBRUARY 28 – Betty Jo Gates Bailey, 66, of Farmville, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013 in Farmville. She was born July 5, 1946 in Farmville to the late Charles Watson and Rozella Mae Kennedy Gates. She worked over 30 years in the banking industry; including 16 years at Central Virginia Bank in Powhatan and most recently retiring from Benchmark Community Bank after 10 years of service.

Ms. Gates was the church treasurer of Sharon Baptist Church for over 15 years. She loved crocheting and needlepoint and was a volunteer at Southside Community Hospital. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and loved playing Bingo.

She is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth Bailey of Powhatan and cousins, Dr. James Gates and Julian Gates both of Rice, Jean Fowlkes of Burkeville, Carolyn Martin of Rice, Bill Gates of Rice, Tom and Bill Gates both of VA, Nevyn Rankin of Akin, SC, Ann and Elizabeth of Richmond, Beverly Wilson of Farmville and Ann Yancy McCordell and Tom Yancy both of Virginia Beach.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 3, at 1 p.m. at Sharon Baptist Church.

<!– 1upcrlf2 –>Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Baptist Church, c/o Janet King, Treasurer, 1991 Grape Lawn Road, Burkeville, VA 23922.

Shorter Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.shorterfuneralhome.com