Erma LeNez Simeon Gates

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually... and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." — Isaiah 58:11 Erma LeNez Simeon Gates, 85, passed away peacefully at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on December 18, 1939, in Doyle, La. Erma grew up a tomboy, spending time outdoors with her father and grandmother, “Gran”, helping with the family’s poultry business. She attended school in Doyle, where she played on the basketball team. After graduating, she earned her cosmetology license and went on to own her own beauty salon. In 1961, Erma married her sweetheart, Burhman Gates of Ponchatoula, La., to whom she was a devoted and loving wife. Together, they raised four children. A woman of strength and deep faith, she dedicated her life to caring for and teaching others—through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and throughout her career at Doyle Elementary. She had a keen eye for the needs of others and was always quick to help. She bought coats, delivered food and furniture, and transported countless children and shut-ins to church. She truly lived a life of service. Her face lit up whenever her grandbabies were near, and her voice—often heard singing hymns—was a source of comfort and joy to all who knew her. Erma is survived by her two sisters and brother, Joyce Louise Stewart (Benjamin), Herkie Simeon (Jackie) and Beverly Dale Simeon; her four children: Miriam Jane Gates (Michael Lombardino), Jamie LeNez Williams (Damion), Burhman Qullen Gates (Nancy), and Theresia Ursula Williams (Darrin); and eight grandchildren: Ryan Gates, Brittney Barnett (Justin), Waylon Lee (Anna), Reba Case (Torrie), Trace Williams, Drew Williams, Cameron Gates, Lynsey Rodriguez (Joshua) and Aaron Williams; and great-grandchildren: Ryder and Nora Gates, Tucker and Ella Barnett, Ian, Charli Ann, Maisey, and Bria Case, Dawson, Henry, and Archie Lee, and Coy, Casyn, Conley, and Colston Rodriguez. She is also survived by nephews and nieces: Kevin Stewart, John Paul Stewart, Jody Stott, Kristie Wheat, Shelly Jones, Jeremy Stewart, Sarah Stewart Martin, Heather Stewart Younger, Addie Watts, and Brooklyn Sticker. She is preceded in death by her husband, Burhman Qullen Gates; her parents, Herman Simpson Simeon and Addie Hughes Simeon; and her nephew, Herman Darrell Crane. A celebration of life will be held at Satsuma Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 24, with visitation beginning at 12 p.m. until the funeral service at 4 p.m., conducted by Pastor Henry Shelton. Interment will follow at the Herman Simeon Family Cemetery on Red Oak Road in Livingston. Arrangements have been entrusted to McLin Funeral Home in Walker. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclinfuneralhome.com Friends and family are invited to gather for food and fellowship at 28100 H. Simeon Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Satsuma Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Ryan Gates, Aaron Williams, Cameron Gates, Waylon Lee, Trace Williams, Drew Williams, Justin Barnett, Joshua Rodriguez, Ryder Gates, and Tucker Barnett. Darren and Damion Williams will be honorary pallbearers. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Harvest Manor and Lifesource Hospice for the love, care and support they blessed her with. Additionally, to the Satsuma Baptist Church family for their enduring support throughout Erma’s life, and to all the friends and loved ones who offered prayers, kindness, and care.

Erma LeNez Simeon Gates

December 18, 1939 - June 19, 2025