Born in Spencer, WV, she was a daughter of the late Hobart and Imogene Epling Tyson. She was a graduate of West Virginia State College and retired from the banking industry. Mrs. Gatens was a member of the Dogwood Garden Club of Honea Path for more than 20 years, where she previously served as Secretary and President. She was an avid birder and reader and was always interested in helping others.
Surviving in addition to her devoted husband of 60 years of the home are: her son, Paul (Christine MacIntyre) Gatens, Jr. of Marietta, GA; her daughter, Susan (Rob Endom) Gatens of Atlanta, GA; her brother, Steve (Betty) Tyson of Nitro, WV; and six grandchildren, Anne Marie (David) Cross, Paul Gatens, III, Ivy MacIntyre, Chloe MacIntyre, Brenna Endom and Aubrey Endom.
Mrs. Gatens was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Tyson and her sister, Diane Endricks.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Dogwood Garden Club, 204 S. Main St., Honea Path, SC 29654 or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at Komen.org
Messages of condolence may be made to the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com
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