Funeral services for Mrs. Irma Jean Gates, 81 of Killeen, TX will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Westside Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. Burail will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans State Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) at the church.

Irma Jean Gates was born on December 21, 1941, in Taylor, Texas to Clara Elizabeth Roger and Ulices Jack Rogers.She passed away June 29, 2023, in Killeen, TX.

Irma attended elementary and high school in Giddings Texas where she graduated and shortly attended the University of Texas in Austin. Her studies included a homemaking, sewing and cooking.  On December 23, 1967, Irma married Sergeant Collis Gates Jr.  To this union 2 children were born: Valerie Gates and Collis Gates, III.

Irma professed her love for Christ at an early age. She was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Giddings Texas. Early in her marriage, she enjoyed a lot of European travel and met many lifelong friends.  After returning to Texas in 1982 and making Killeen her home, Irma eventually found her church home in 1995 as a faithful member of Westside Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Tolbert.  It was here where she became an instrumental part of the music department. Irma wasted no time working with the youth, writing, directing many of the Easter, Christmas, and special programs for the youth department. In addition to her church plays, Irma also loved to sing, play the piano, cook, crochet, and making puzzles into pictures and spending money on her grandkids.

Over the years, Irma had several jobs she cherished.  While in Europe and Virginia, Irma worked for banking institutions. After returning to Texas, Irma worked at a local bank, and a library at Fort Hood before finding her love as a substitute teacher for 20 years for Killeen ISD.

For anyone that knew her, they understood that Irma loved her family and hosting holiday events at her home for family and friends.  She enjoyed cooking and was known for making desserts.   Her specialty was cakes, cookies, pies, and homemade rolls.

Irma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Collis, Jr., her parents, and her three brothers: Chester, Fred and Sam.

To cherish her memory, Irma leaves behind 2 children; Valerie Coleman (Germane) of Frisco, Texas; Collis Gates III (Rochelle) of Killeen, Texas: five grandchildren; Deja Martin, Anniah Adams, DeAsia Martin, Riley Coleman, and Sydney Coleman; one great- grandson, Jamez Scott and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives and friends.