Michelle "Shorty" Gates

Michelle Melissa Gates was born May 27, 1969 to Juanita Hawkins-Cobb & Adolphus Hawkins in Birmingham Alabama. 

Michelle gave her life to Christ at an early age of her youth. She Attended Allen Chapel AME Church early on, and became a member of Eastern Star church for 20 years. Michelle attended IPS School 110, 28 and Tech High School. She later earned her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Michelle was also a licensed Cosmetologist who owned and operated her own beauty salon. Her first frequent customers were her sisters; whom she experimented hair styles, colors and hair treatments. Michelle enjoyed spending time with her family and friend. Reading Books and attaining book clubs was her favorite pastime. She loved to travel and seeing God’s greatest gift of creation. 

Michelle met the love of her life Darryl Gates Sr. and married March 19, 1994 and this union was inseparable for thirty years and five months. She was the beloved daughter of the late Adolphus Hawkins, mother Juanita Hawkins-Cobb, Brother Garrett Hawkins, Dorien Hawkins, Mother-in-law Nora Mann. Michelle left to cherish her memories Father-in-law Raymond Gates, Gary Mann, husband Darryl Gates Sr., Sons Michael Hawkins, Darryl Gates III, daughter Tyisha Hawkins. Michelle’s siblings include: Sylvia Gillespie, Valerie Hawkins, Sonya Massey & Husband Allen Massey, Gennessa Cobb; Three brothers-in-law. Also treasuring Michelle memory are her 3 grandchildren, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousin & friends.