Mrs. Nora A. Gates, 72, of Opelika, was born on April 22, 1941, and passed away on October 22, 2013 at her daughters home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles A. Gates, her son, Johnny D. Long, and her daughter, Venus G. Jones. She is survived by her daughters; Debra Garrett Pinkard (William) and Kelley Gates (Mike Venable); her grandchildren, Joseph Shane Dubose, Phillip Bedwell, Matt Bedwell (Ranell Gouker), and Taylor Sanders; 7 great grandchildren; her sister, Joan K. Parker; and her brother, Robert G. James; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. Granny Gates was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her. Her memorial service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 4:00 PM, CST, in the chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Opelika, Alabama with Chaplin Tim Callaway officiating.