Mary Edna Gates (AKA Granny)

October 3, 1943 – July 5, 2025

Mary Edna Gates, age 81, of Grand Prairie, Texas, passed away on July 5, 2025. Her warm presence, love for family, and spirit of volunteerism will be missed by all who knew her.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at East Delta Cemetery in Charleston, Texas. Reverend Mike Stone will officiate the service.

Mary was born on October 3, 1943, in Paris, Texas, to Eugene A. and Lena Mae (Watson) McFarland. She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Spence K. Gates Jr.; her daughter, Diane Dyess; and her sister, Linda Sparks.

On November 30, 1970, Mary and Spence celebrated their union in marriage, building a life of love and companionship. Mary dedicated her professional life as a Logistics Professional with Johnson & Johnson. Additionally, her commitment to community was evident in her over 20 years of volunteer service with the Friends of the Library in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Mary leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: her son Dean Dyess and his wife, Lorri, of Burleson, Texas; her son Spence Gates III and his wife, Leslie Gates, of Kennedale, Texas; five grandchildren, Crystal Dawn Gallaher,  Cortni Garcia and her husband, Sammy; Devan Dyess and her husband, Paul Gevorkian,  Maryssa Dailey and her husband, Blake; Danyelle Gates and Jonathan Sifuentes; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Joanna Young; and brother, Ronnie McFarland.
The family invites friends and loved ones to leave online condolences at www.deltafuneralhome.com. Services have been entrusted to Delta Funeral Home, which extends its heartfelt condolences to the family.

Mary's legacy of love, strength, and dedication lives on through her family and those who were fortunate to know her.