Nettie Court Martin Gates 88, passed away September 28, 2017. She was born In Tampa, Florida on February 18, 1929.

Daughter of Edward Gay Martin and Nettie Irene Arnold Martin, Nettie Court Martin Gates was a Tampa Native, graduating from Hillsborough High School and going on to Brewster Technical Institute to obtain her education. She also was supportive of Gates Radio and Television Repair which she and her beloved husband, Edward Franklin Gates, owned. She was predeceased by her loving husband on April 15, 1994. Also predeceasing Nettie was her sisters and brothers. Edward Martin’s children, Virginia “Gin” Taylor, Edward “Ned” Martin, and Genevieve “Sis” King. Nettie Martin’s child, Margaret Arnold Rowe. And Edward and Nettie Martin’s child, Lavinia Gay Martin Williams. Nettie is only survived by her 90 year old brother, William Meredith Martin.

She is also survived by her daughters, Laurie Frances Gates Hatten and Rebecca Iris Gates Hatten. She was very proud of her grandsons, James Keith Hatten and Brian Edward Hatten. And her five great-grandchildren, Kalen and Zachary Hatten (James Keith and Christine Hatten) and Elizabeth Culley, James Sharba, and Alyssa Hatten (Brian Edward and Karen Hatten). Also precious to her was her many cousins, nieces and nephews of the Arnold, Gates and Martin families. And important to her all her life were her pets. Her precious Border Collie, Sonny, was the light for her life.

Nettie was also survived by the following people who were not by blood, but by friendship and extended family. First is Karen Niles, who graciously opened her home to Laurie. Rebecca’s partner, Patrick A. Cipriano and his children, Lori Cipriano, Daniel Cipriano and David Cipriano along with their spouses, children and grandchildren. Important also to her are her wonderful families at The Life Enrichment Center and at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church who have each supported and loved Nettie for many years.

Nettie retired from the State of Florida after 30 years of continuous service, starting out as a clerk and working her way up to a Medical Claims Examiner. She had many friends she accumulated through the years of employment with the state.

Nettie had the passions of art and writing. Her art work medium was in oils. She painted so many beautiful pieces through the years. She won several ribbons on works she submitted to the Florida State Fair art shows. She also wrote a book entitled, “Growing Up and Growing Old in Tampa Bay.” This was about her life experiences growing up, marrying, working, and raising her daughters. Her book is in the Collections Department at the University of South Florida Library.

She was also a devoted Christian. She taught Bible study to a small group at a friend’s home for many years and attended church almost every Sunday. She was always so grateful for the sweet people that helped her get to and from church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Memory of Nettie C. Gates to The Life Enrichment Center, 9704 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612.

Please dress casually for Nettie’s Memorial Service on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 1:00pm at the Adams & Jennings Funeral Home, 6900 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33604. A private interment will be conducted at a later date at Lake Carroll Cemetery, North Armenia Avenue and Myers Lane, Tampa, Florida.