Obituary of Helen Potts Gates

June 10, 2012 Helen Potts Gates of Pittsboro died peacefully at home on a beautiful Sunday morning, after years of Alzheimer's disease struggles. Mema, as family and friends lovingly referred her, was a UNC Hospital retiree and a long time member of Bethel Baptist Church. Her parents, Herman and Euna Potts of Durham; her grandson, Kenny Allen of Pittsboro; three brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Her son, Robert Barwick of Pennsylvania; her daughter and son-in-law, Lynette and Bruce Bagwell of Pittsboro; her great-grandson Dominik Allen of Benson; and two sisters, Ilene Guy of California and Betty Phillips of Creedmoor, survive her. Her faithful dog of 11 years, Paco, and a host of special friends and relatives also survived Mema. The family wishes to thank Drs. Kylstra and Kaufer; the numerous caregivers of UNC Hospice; respite care provided by Chatham County Council on Aging through ComForcare; and AmeriCare Homecare for their compassionate and personal care. They treated her with the respect and dignity that she deserved. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, June 14th at 1pm at Bethel Baptist Church in Chapel Hill with visitation afterwards in the Church fellowship hall. Memorials can be made to Bethel Baptist Church and floral arrangements should be sent directly to Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill.