of Little Rock, AR

May 7, 1960 - October 21, 2020

Kathie Jo Gately, age 60, died October 21, 2020. She was born May 7, 1960 in Forrest City to James Vaulx Fussell and Charlotte Joann Britt Poland. Kathie earned her bachelor's degree at Arkansas State University.

She was the first to nationally obtain both optometric and audiology treatment in a facility impacting all residents in the mid-80s. Kathie served as the Director Office State LTC Ombudsman for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas Division of Aging and Adult Services after serving as Long Term Care Omdbudsman from 2003 to 2016. In 2005, she expanded LTC Ombudsman classroom training to statewide universities. In 2009, she received the National Cernoria Johnson Memorial Advocacy Award at the National Coalition of Citizens for Nursing Home Reform in Washington, DC. In 2016, she served as the assistant director for the Arkansas department of Veterans Affairs over both VA nursing homes. Kathie also served as Grand Associate Matron of the Order of the Amaranth, Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Past Mighty Chosen One of Bendemeer Caldron, and Treasurer for the Arkansas Gerontological Society. She owned a catering business - Lady Gately's Events and Catering.

Kathie is preceded in death by her brother, Steven Poland. Her survivors include husband, Sheldon Aaron Gately; sons, Travis Monroe Fussell and Joseph Vernon Fussell; sister, Kandie Morrison and brother, James Fussell, III.

Visitation will be Monday, October 26, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 27 at North Little Rock's Levy Baptist Church. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 28 at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com