Jody Frances Gates, 69, of Caledonia, MS, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle, Columbus, MS.

No services are scheduled. Lowndes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ms Gates was born on November 23, 1956, in Savannah, GA, to the late Willie and Martha Gates.  She attended Caledonia High School. Ms Gates retired in 2024 from Kroger after a lengthy career in retail and grocery. She was known as a very caring, compassionate, sweet lady who loved her family and friends with all her heart.

In addition to her parents, Ms Gates was preceded in death by  two children, Johnny Richardson, Jr. and Lori (Jason) Phillips and her beloved pup, Taco.

Ms Gates is survived by her son, Chris (Carolyn) Richardson, Hartselle, AL; brother, Greg Gates, Columbus, MS; grandchildren, Cameron Phillips, Columbus, MS, and Gabriel Phillips, West Point, MS; two great-grandchildren, Ivy Phillips and Liza Phillips; nephew, Shawn Gates.