Margaret Gaston Gates

Mrs. Margaret Gaston Gates, age 95, lifelong resident of Walton County passed away Monday morning at her home. She was born October, 25, 1917 in Walton County, the daughter of James and Mary Douglass Gaston. As a Palmer College and Florida State College for Women (FSCW) graduate, she introduced her students to typing, business law and shorthand for over forty years, as well as sponsoring many activities including Beta Club and business related groups. Margaret Gaston lived her life free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions, free from ostentation or showy extravagance. Those who knew her best recognized her strengths and sought her approval. Miss Gaston, as she was affectionately known, taught hundreds of Walton County High School students. For years Margaret didn’t own a car and as a teacher she walked to school every day. Margaret Gaston Gates came from “the old school”, lived her life in a changing world, but held fast to her upbringing. She never relented from her moral and ethical values and held fast to her faith. Later in life, at age 59 Miss Gaston married her former Walton classmate Howard Gates in 1977 who preceded her in death in 2001.

Those who survive Margaret Douglass Gaston Gates are many; not necessarily of blood kinship, rather in kinship of the heart. Hundreds of young teens no doubt, have relied upon what they learned from her, not only by her teaching but by her example of a life well lived.

At Margaret Gaston Gates request there will be no services.