Jacquelyne Sue (Lawson) Gates, 84, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025 at her home.

The daughter of the late Ross Clell and Mary Ellen (Baxter) Lawson, she was born July 8, 1941 in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Zola Sue Morris; and one sister, Dixie Lee Lawson-Paulos. Jacquelyne married Billy Wayne Gates on January 24, 1976 in Kirksville, Missouri, and he also preceded her in death on January 7, 2002.

Jacquelyne is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Bobbie Gates of Sweetwater, TX; three grandchildren, Bethany Gates, Daniel Gates and Ethan Morris; as well as one great-grandchild, Keyton Gates and one niece.

Jacquelyne was as graduate from Ottumwa High School and attended Kirksville State Teachers College where she was in Sigma Kappa Sorority. For a number of years, Jacquelyne owned and operated a beauty salon with her mother and sister in Ottumwa, and later worked for Everco Inc. She previously worked at KCOM in Kirksville. She later became a Avon Distributor.

She was a member of Word Alive Church in Greentop, Missouri and of Eastern Star.

Jacquelyne has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025 at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa, officiated by Bruce Pilcher.

Arrangements were taken care of by Travis-Noe Funeral Home of Kirksville, MO.