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1947
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2025
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Susan Gates Obituary
Nov 17, 1947 - Sep 11, 2025
Susan "Snooze" Stephenson Gates, age 77, of Winston-Salem, N.C., passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, at her home in Arbor Acres.
Susan was born on November 17, 1947, in Wilmington, Del., to Thomas and Elizabeth Stephenson. From a young age she excelled at athletics, earning 13 varsity letters at Friends School before going on to Wheaton College, where she captured two NCAA Women's Squash titles. These accomplishments earned her induction into the Collegiate Squash Hall of Fame-an achievement she cherished throughout her life.
In 1970, Susan married the love of her life, John Gates, with whom she shared nearly 52 wonderful years before his passing in December 2021. Together they built a full and joyful life-raising two children, traveling widely, and creating a bond of love and partnership that was evident to all who knew them.
Susan will be remembered for her warm sense of humor, her enormous and widespread kindness, and her creativity. A passionate needlepointer, she twice owned her own retail shops-one dedicated to her needlepoint designs and another featuring a curated mix of handmade and collected items that spoke to her eye for beauty and detail. She was also a mean Bridge player.
"Snooze," as she was affectionately known, is survived by her son, Andrew Bradley Stephenson Gates; daughter, Susan Anna Constance Gates; brother, Tom Stephenson; and three beloved grandchildren, Kate, Henry, and Emma.
A celebration of Susan's life will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 2 p.m. at Arbor Acres in Winston-Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (formerly Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF)) at https://www.breakthrought1d.org/. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire Arbor Acres staff for their compassionate care and the comfort they provided both Snooze and John during the past 15 years.
Salem Funeral & Cremation Service
120 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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