Helen Bingham Gates

Helen Louise Bingham Gates died peacefully on the evening of February 25, 2011 at Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center, Summerville, SC.  A lifelong resident of North Charleston, SC, Helen was born in the old Garco Village where she was nicknamed "Sunshine" for her outgoing personality and lively sense of humor.  She attended North Charleston Elementary School and North Charleston High School. The youngest of 11 children, Helen led a life devoted to her extended family but also worked for the City of North Charleston Recreation Department for almost 40 years.  For much of that time she served as supervisor of the Whipper-Barony Community Center playground, where she was affectionately known as "Granny Gates" to several generations of North Charleston children.  In the summers, she worked with up to 70 children in the Summer Activity Program and also found time to visit three area homes for senior citizens where she taught crafts.  She was given a neighborhood appreciation award in 1990 and was named North Charleston Recreation Department Supervisor of the Year in 1992 and Employee of the Year in 1997.  She was known for her homemade Christmas goodies and handcrafted Christmas decorations that she shared with family and friends.  Helen never met a stranger, and her smile will be missed by all who loved her.  The family expresses appreciation to the Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center's Dogwood nursing unit staff for their loving care of Helen.

The relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral services Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 10:00 am in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTH AREA CHAPEL.  Interment, Carolina Memorial Gardens.  Friends may call at Stuhr's North Area Chapel, Tuesday between 4:00 and 6:00 pm.

She is survived by two daughters: Charlene G. Stuart (Robert) of Charleston, SC and Cheryl G. Singletary (Joseph H., Jr.) of Hanahan, SC; one son:  Jack Dunham Gates (Bonnie, deceased) of Walterboro, SC; three grandsons: R. Darren McCants (LuAnn), Joseph H. "Trey" Singletary, III (Michele), and Chad B. Gates (Vickie); five granddaughters: Laura B. Singletary, A.Tressie Gates, Hollis Gates Fuse (Christian), Stacy D. Gates, and Whitney L. Gates; seven great-grandchildren: William C. Singletary, Ryan D. Singletary, R. Darren McCants, Jr., Gates O. McCants, Jaylyn R. Gates,  Kali G. Reed, and Heidi L. Bishop; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

She is predeceased by her faithful husband of 44 years, Charles F. Gates and her beloved son David P. Gates (Lynn).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Whipper-Barony Community Center, c/o Recreation Director, North Charleston Recreation Department, P.O. Box 190016, North Charleston, SC 29419.