Tommie Ruth Gatewood

Tommie Ruth Gatewood, known affectionately as Tommie to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025. Born on December 7, 1946, Tommie lived a full and vibrant life, marked by her loving nature and her dedication to her family and community.

Tommie's life was one of service and joy. She was a graduate of Mack M. Matthews School in Pinckard, Alabama. Tommie spent many years as a custodian at Wallace Community College, where she was not just an employee but a friend to many. Her warm smile and friendly demeanor made her a beloved figure on campus, and she took pride in ensuring that the college was a welcoming environment for all who passed through its doors.

As a mother and grandmother, Tommie's heart was truly at home. She is survived by her caring daughter, Tonya (Ken) Tackett, and their two daughters, Breana and Alexis "Lexi", her devoted son, Shawn Gatewood, and his children, Alexis, Alicia, Jataveon, Deion, Kris, Maziyah, Jalayah, Taniyah, Isiah, and Hasten. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She is also survived by her sisters, Mavis (Robert) Merritt and Jeannette Gatewood Johnson, and her sister Lillian Gatewood; her brothers, Thomas Gatewood Jr. and Clifton Gatewood, her uncles, Sonny M. Bennett and Ricky (Corinthia) Bennett, by her special nieces, Nikki Bennett and Ashley Merritt, Robbin Merritt, Linda Merritt, by her special nephew, Trey (Andria) Merritt, by her nieces Jena (Keesha) Johnson, Jessyca Gatewood Cambell and her nephew Christopher Gatewood.

Tommie was preceded in death by her mother Ruthie Bennett Hammonds, who instilled in her the values of love and family that she carried throughout her life, her stepfather Raymond Hammonds, by her father, Thomas Gatewood, Sr. and by her brother Allan Gatewood.

Tommie's interests were a reflection of her personality. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed doing arts and crafts with her grandchildren, sharing with them the joy of creating something beautiful. She was also an avid fan of crossword puzzles and watching westerns, finding pleasure in the simple things that brought her relaxation and happiness. One of Tommie's most endearing qualities was her ability to connect with people. She never met a stranger, and her selfless and friendly nature made her a cherished friend to many.

A celebration of Tommie's life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. It will be a time for loved ones to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable woman she was. Tommie will be laid to rest in Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Midland City, Alabama, where she will be surrounded by the community she loved. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm, providing an opportunity for those whose lives she touched to come together in remembrance and fellowship.

Words like loving, friendly, and selfless only begin to describe Tommie. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on through the memories she created with all who knew her.

As we say goodbye to Tommie Ruth Gatewood, we also celebrate the enduring mark she left on our world. Her laughter, her generosity, and her unconditional love are gifts that will continue to inspire and guide us. Tommie's life was a journey of love, and though her physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy will remain forever in our hearts.