Dorathaia Gates Obituary

Dorathaia Gates was born in Albion, Nebraska, on August 24, 1919. She passed away on October 22, 2025, in Livingston at the remarkable age of 106.

As one of twelve children born to John and Augustine Brickel, Dorathaia grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, two sons—Johnny Sims and Jerry Sims—her granddaughter Tonya Johnson, great-grandson William Burks, three sisters, and eight brothers.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Gulley and husband Larry, and Renee Burks and husband Roger; her son, Terry Sims and wife Rosalinda; and her seven grandchildren: Tracy Dietz and husband Jason, Christina Mizell, Misty Sumner and husband Dale, Steven Burks and wife Donna, Mona Sims Garcia and husband Raul, Sherwin Sims, and Michelle Sims Hendricks and husband Larry.

Dorathaia also leaves behind nineteen great-grandchildren: Donovan Miller, Kai Miller, Theron Miller, Lycia Miller, Cody Mizell, Bryson Mizell, Kaitlyn Mizell, Jerry Sumner, Samual Burks, Aaron Burks, Sophia Burks, Reyanna Wisteria, Caitlyn Garcia, Saraphina Garcia, Alexia Garcia, Natalia Garcia, Anastasia Garcia, Catalina Gonzales, and Tharen Hendricks; and special friend, Kenny Drew.  Numerous other relatives also survive her.

Dorathaia was a devoted member of the Lake Livingston Church of God. She found joy in spending time with her family, cooking, and reading her Bible. Most of her career was dedicated to being a waitress, a role she cherished due to her great love for people and her enjoyment of being around others.

Services will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025.  Visitation will be begin at 10 A.M. followed by the funeral service at 11 A.M., both at Waller-Thornton Funeral Home in Trinity.  Interment will follow at Thornton Cemetery in Glendale, Texas.