Bertra M. (Pleas) Gates

Celebration of Life

Bertra Pleas Gates departed this life on April 25, 2017.

She was born June 4, 1942 in Kansas City, Kansas to the late Reverend Thomas L. Pleas, Sr., and Elberta Cummings Pleas.

Bertra affectionately called “Pattee” by her family, friends, and classmates graduated from Sumner High School in Kansas City, Kansas in 1960. She attended Kansas City, Kansas Junior College and put her education on hold for a short time to get married. And to this union, a daughter Tammara Sue Gates was born.  

In 1965, Bertra resumed her pursuit to obtain higher education where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Also, a Master of Arts Degree from Central Michigan University in Mt, Pleasant, Michigan. She did post graduate work at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.  

At an early age Berta accepted Christ, and was a faithful member of Emanuel Temple Church of God in Christ, Mount Carmel Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Kansas.

Due to health reasons, Betra relocated to Montgomery, Texas to be near her daughter and family and later became a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

Bertra was a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammara Jackson and husband Michael, one Granddaughter, Lindsay Jackson, one Grandson, Ryan Jackson, three sisters; Wilma Greenfield (Robert) of Washington, D.C., Verdis June Johnson (Leonard) of Kansas City, Kansas, Vivian White of Kansas City, Kansas, and one brother, Thomas L. Pleas, Jr. (Vivian) of Kansas City, Missouri, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

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