Anthony Stafford- Gates

Elder Anthony Stafford Gates was born in Chicago, IL on October 30, 1961, son of Evangelist Katie Gates and James Stafford. He was preceded in death by his father James Stafford.

At the tender age of 16 he received Christ as his Lord and personal savior. He attended Manley High School on the West side of Chicago, IL. He received a Bachelor Of Science Liberal Arts in social work at the University of Wisconsin River Falls and a Masters Degree in Business and Community Services at North Park University, Chicago, IL. For several years he was the husband of Mary Gates-Jones. Through this union came forth Prophetess Charah McKinzie, Pastor Anthony Gates, and Joshua Gates.

Elder Anthony loved singing and cooking. He loved to study God’s word and would often say “Choose Christ.” During his service and devotion to God, he was ordained as a Minister at the Way of Holiness under the leadership of the late Bishop Henry. In 1990 he commenced serving as a member of Solomon’s Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Solomon Davis Sr. and continued to serve  as a Minister. He also organized evangelistic ministry for several years and was not afraid to preach God’s word on the streets of Chicago. He taught Sunday School and served as the Sunday School Superintendent under the leadership of the late Pastor Willa Brown. During his time at True Gospel under the leadership of Pastor Smith, he was elevated to the office of an Elder. To date, he was an active member of the Inspirational Deliverance Center Church Of God In Christ under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Shirley Hughes, and continued to serve in the office of an Elder until the time of his transition to glory!

Elder Anthony Stafford Gates who resided in Chicago, IL passed away from this life and was born into eternity on August 6, 2022.

Elder Anthony leaves fond memories in the hearts of his: Mother Evangelist Katie Gates, one daughter Charah McKinzie (Loyal); two sons, Anthony Gabriel Gates (Valerie), Joshua Gates; five grandchildren, Abigail McKinzie, Jeremiah McKinzie, Shamiah Gates, Anthony Gates Jr, and Aniyah Gates; one sister, Cathleen Gates, one brother, Corey Gates; one niece Mercedes Smith, one nephew, Shimei Ben Israel and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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