Shirlie Emerson Gates

Shirlie Emerson Gates, 79, passed away on September 11, 2023. She was born in Pittsylvania County on May 28, 1944 to the late Aquilla Taylor Emerson and the late Roosevelt Emerson. She is survived by her loving husband, Ernest Gates.

Shirlie was a life long active member of Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church and worked at Dan River Mills Inc. as a seamstress in the home fashion division prior to her retirement.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son; Kendall Emerson (Toni) of Danville, VA., brothers; William Emerson (Bernice) of Bronx, NY., Thomas Emerson (Theresa) of Herndon, KY., Ricky Emerson (Deborah) of Beltsville, MD., Nathan Emerson of Danville, VA., sisters; Patsy Emerson of Dry Fork, VA., Carol Williamson (Curtis) of Danville, VA., Janet Fuller (Steve) of Danville, VA., grandchildren; Tanner Emerson of Danville, VA., two step grandchildren; Joshua Bullock, Daryl Bullock, five step great grandchildren, brother in-law; Charlie Lee Henry from Pine Bluff, Georgia, one surviving uncle; Harold Taylor from Baltimore, MD, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three brothers; Alonzo Emerson (Rosa), Roosevelt Emerson Jr., and Bobby Wayne Emerson.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 12:00 to 1:00PM at Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 1:00PM at Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Marlon Glass Eulogist, and Dr. Doris Morrison, presiding.

Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville, Va. is respectfully serving the Gates/Emerson family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.