Barbara “Gumby” Sherrill Lopp Gates, 88, of Davidson County, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026, at Hinkle Hospice House.

A private graveside will be held at a later date.

Barbara was born on May 14, 1938, in Davidson County, to the late Harold Hughes Lopp and Frances Leonard Shoaf. She worked for many years for Community Action helping those in need and later for Lexington Memorial Hospital.

Her family and friends remember her as an avid Tarheels fan. She loved spending time with family and friends.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Lee Gates.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Cheryl Brockmeier, Christopher Gates (Dawn), and Benjamin “Butch” Gates; eight grandchildren, Kelsea Skinner (Roy), Christopher Gates Jr, Montana Gates, Mamie Gates, Lia Brockmeier, Chance Brockmeier, Benjamin Gates (Emily), and Dakota Gates; three great-grandchildren, Lessie, Silas, and Riley; and sister, Sandra Thompson

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alderwood Hospice (Hospice of Davidson County), 200 Hospice Way Lexington, NC 27292.