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.
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32 Condolence(s)
Kathleen Pursell
Monday, November 16, 2020
Sheldon, I am so sorry to just learn this morning of Kathie's passing. I worked with Kathie at DHS in the Division of Aging. My heart goes out to you and the boys. You two together were a special couple, such love for one another. She will be greatly missed by so very many people, both in her personal life and her professional life. I pray for you and the rest of the family, and all her many friends who are suffering heartache during this time. I will forever smile and remember Kathie each time I see a peacock. She won't be forgotten.
Debby Ellis
Friday, November 6, 2020
Sheldon, I am so sorry for you and your sons loss. Kathie was a very special soul and will be remembered by many for a very long time. I will miss her Sheldon. So many memories bring a smile to my face.
Patricia Ann Gray
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the family. You are in our hearts & prayers. Kathie was\is a jewel that was shared with us that we all will surely miss & forever love.
Sincerely,
Pat & Jay
LaVona Traywick
Thursday, November 5, 2020
I am so saddened to hear about Kathie. She was such an activists for senior adults. I worked with her for years on AGS and her heart was so big and full of compassion. She will be greatly missed.
Milinda Houlette
Thursday, November 5, 2020
I am stunned. The world and the geriatric community at large will be far more dismal with Kathie leaving us. She has been a fierce advocate and a wonderful mentor over the years, and will be sorely missed.
Melanie McNeil
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Kathie was so welcoming at the first NASOP meeting I attended after becoming the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Georgia. She spoke passionately about what we do as ombudsmen. I know she continued to be a strong advocate for residents even when she left the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program to serve residents in another capacity. Sincerest condolences.
Penny Boyer
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Mom really cared about you. You were a kind and sweet lady. I will pray for your family.
Nadine Grice
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Kathie, I will always remember with fondness the tea party you gave for me when I retired. You were truly an advocate for seniors.
Carole Blanks
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Kathie was a strong advocate for the residents of the nursing homes and her passion will be missed. Thank you to Sheldon and the boys for sharing her with us.
Jo Fuller
Monday, October 26, 2020
Shel - My deepest condolences on your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting her in this life but from the stories you've shared with me, she was a special lady. It's been my honor and privilege to know you, my friend, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers as always.
Jo
Becky Kurtz
Monday, October 26, 2020
Kathy's passing is indeed a sad occasion. I knew Kathy in her role as Arkansas State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. When our national gathering of State LTC Ombudsmen was in Little Rock, she and Sheldon generously opened up their home for a backyard barbeque. I will never forget her passionate and determined advocacy for long-term care residents, her talent for inspiring volunteers to join in this work, and her creative and generous spirit.
Carolyn Ferguson
Monday, October 26, 2020
Kathie will be greatly missed my thought and prayers are with the family.
Catherine Hickerson
Monday, October 26, 2020
Sheldon and family, I am praying for your strength during this difficult time. I know that her spirit is with you now and always.
Esther Houser
Monday, October 26, 2020
In addition to being a truly kind, generous and fun human being, Kathie was a deeply committed advocate for the rights of elders in long-term care facilities.
She worked to build coalitions to support person-centered care in nursing homes, and accomplished a great deal as Arkansas State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. I knew her through the National Association of State LTC Ombudsmen.
I admired her for those professional reasons, but also for being true to herself and so committed to her family.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Esther Houser
Eleanor and Gerald Wood
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Our prayers for Sheldon and the family. Kathie will be truly missed. She was a great inspiration to the members of Amaranth. She will continue her good work from above.
Mike Bob and Lavonda Thompson
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Allene Higgins
Sunday, October 25, 2020
RIP! and the senior world will miss you for speaking up for justice
Lorraine Rayner
Sunday, October 25, 2020
A few years back Kathie and I became Facebook friends. In 2016 I called into Little Rock on my way to Supreme Assembly in Rhode Island. I was welcomed by Kathie, Sheldon and Sisters of the OES. Such a memorable time and I had hoped to see Kathie again in 2020 but sadly Covid had other plans for the world. I treasure my Prayer Rock and other favours given to me by Kathie and I am sure there are many others who will have similar items made with love by Kathie. Peacocks will also be a reminder of a very special lady. She will be “sweet in my memory.â€
Donna Dougan Aguirre
Saturday, October 24, 2020
She has always been my friend reguardless where our lives took us when we reconnected we pick up like there had been no time past at all. She was truly a wonderful person and she will always have a place in my heart. Fly high my guardián angel. My thoughts and prayers for her boys and Sheldon may God comfort you during this time....
Diane Fussell
Saturday, October 24, 2020
So sorry. I truly loved you like a sister.
Mavis and chuck Griggs
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Kathie I will miss you. We had a lot of good times. Rest In Peace
Love Mavis
Danielle Sims
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Kathie, You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Sheldon and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale Watson
Saturday, October 24, 2020
This is so shocking. Kathie was a compassionate friend who always gave you her best. I am so thankful to have had the privilege to know her both professionally and personally. Her love for veterans, passionate advocacy and desire to do the right thing will be missed. Blessings to her family.
Dale Watson
Saturday, October 24, 2020
This is so shocking. Kathie was a compassionate friend who always gave you her best. I am so thankful to have had the privilege to know her both professionally and personally. Her love for veterans, passionate advocacy and desire to do the right thing will be missed. Blessings to her family.
Kathy Coleman
Friday, October 23, 2020
Kathie, we have been friends for over 50 years. I know that my heart is broken and I will miss and love you always. I will never forget you sweet friend.
Carol Compas
Friday, October 23, 2020
My condolences to Sheldon, sons, family and professional family/friends who loved and knew her. Kathie’s passion for her work made AR a better place for those she served! Love you my dear friend, thank you for all the great memories, laughs and life lessons. You taught us to always remember the “starfishâ€. We will always remember you.
Jo Weatherford
Friday, October 23, 2020
Florence Chapter #15 Order of the Eastern Star has lost a dedicated member of our chapter. Kathie always gave 100% to everything she undertook. We can be comforted in knowing her labors on Earth are over and she can now rest in the arms of Our Heavenly Father. Our sympathy is extended to Sheldon, Kathie's two sons, her extended family and her friends. Rest in Peace, Kathie. Farewell.
Jo
Beverly Dunlap
Friday, October 23, 2020
Soar with the angels my friend.
Beverly Dunlap
Friday, October 23, 2020
Soar with the angels my friend.
Joseph Rodrigues
Friday, October 23, 2020
So sorry to hear about Kathie's passing. Truly a shock to me. I will always remember her humor, passion for our residents, and friendship.
Olga Culver
Friday, October 23, 2020
I will miss you and love you forever
Bishop Gregory L. Brown 33°
Friday, October 23, 2020
My dear Sister Kathie will be greatly missed. Kathie and I were very close as she worked for ADVA and I am a Commissioner on the Arkansas Veterans Commission. She was also my OES Sister and she affectionately called me "Brother Bishop!" I will miss her dearly. She loved helping the veterans!