Life Reflections

Maud Estella (Adams) Gates was born June 27, 1920 to the union of Calvin Adams and Annie (Nelson) Adams in Tennessee. She was raised by her mother and step-father James Smith (whom she adored) in Blytheville, Arkansas. Her parents preceded her in death.

Estella moved to St. Louis, Mo as a teenager. She held several different positions and worked in food services at Manchester Nursing Home for many years as a rotating chef and later opened her own restaurant. She and her late husband, James Gates, also owned an automotive repair shop.

Estella enjoyed helping people so she decided to earn her LPN license. She worked in health care for many years at St. Agnes Home as shift supervisor and she also worked as a private duty nurse. Estella worked for the Schlippizzi and Sanson families for many years.

Estella was raised in the Baptist faith and later converted and was baptized into the Catholic faith. She had a strong spiritual faith.

Estella helped to raise two sons; Robert Lee Ross (Chicago, Ill) and Willie B “Pouchie” Johnson (preceded her in death).

She would often make the statement “I’ve had a good life; I have been able to travel from coast to coast”.

Her favorite bible verse was Matthew 5:1-12. Her favorite songs were “I’ll fly away and This Little Light of Mine”.

Estella entered eternal life March 1, 2017 at the age of “96” and leaves to cherish her memories a host of family and friends.

When you were in her presence and would be leaving, she would always say “see you later alligator”. To Estella we all would like to say “See you later alligator” “after while crocodile”.

Matthew 5:1-12

5 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.