I apologize for the lack of updates again. My friend Georgie died on May 10th and everyone is still trying to heal. I've been trying to help Sarah work her way through this.

From Sarah (AKA BB), Georgie's girlfriend. May 11,2008:
"For everyone who knew Georgia:
Yesterday afternoon she was in a bad horse riding accident and hit her head as she fell off the horse. No one knows for sure if the horse she was riding just took off running, or she encouraged him to.
All we know is that she is in a better place now and wouldn't want us to be sad of this event. She died doing something she loved and probably couldn't wish for anything more then for her friends to support one another in their time of need.
I will keep you all posted on service times and dates.
Thank you, her friends for making my baby girl happy and content with her life."


Georgie's obituary from Finch Funeral Chapels (written by her sister Kimberley):
"Georgia Patrice Gates
(March 26, 1992 - May 10, 2008)



Georgia Patrice Gates, born March 26, 1992, left this world doing what she loved best, galloping on a horse, May 10, 2008. Georgia was a young, fearless and beautiful woman who believed in being true to herself regardless of what others may have thought. She was spirited, feisty, and loving, pouring these qualities into the things that she loved . A professional photographer and award winning poet, Georgia never met a person who wouldn’t immediately realize how independent and smart she was. On any given day she could be found riding one of her four horses through pastures, playing video games, taking care of the land, playing board games, swimming in the pool with her mom, sister Kimberley and dogs, and talking endlessly with her beloved friend Sarah and family. She always stood up for her strong beliefs and never understood why others wouldn’t do the same. Her beloved friend Sarah was her constant companion and confidante. She loved road trips with her mom and Kimberley. She was Kimberley’s best friend and “ partner in crime” for 16 years. She leaves behind her mother Stephanie Harris Gates Wilson, sisters, Kimberley Munson Gates and Courtnee Gates Shanley, and stepfather Scott Wilson and his sons, Cody and Cole. She joins her father Maxell Gates, Jr. and both grandfathers, George Harris, Sr. and Maxell Gates, Sr. who preceded her in death. She also leaves behind her two grandmothers, Willie Mae Gates and Suzanne Harris; uncle George Harris, Jr. & wife Patricia; aunt, Melanie Vavrek & husband Jerry; aunt, Susan Negley; uncle, Jamie Clements & wife Diana; aunt, Lynell Horne & husband Richard; uncle, Billy Gates & wife Barbara; uncle, Burnell Gates & wife Laura; uncle, Gordon Gates & wife Wendy; nephew, Ethan and numerous cousins. Georgia was a sophomore at La Vernia High School and a member of FFA, Girls Scouts, and the yearbook committee. She loved her horses, four dogs, three cats, goat, PJ and her cows. She will be greatly missed and although we can’t understand why, we give glory to God for sharing her with us for 16 years. Georgia was truly a force to reckon with and a blessing in our lives.


Georgie loved RENT and one line from Maureen kept running through my head at the viewing. I quoted it when I got up to speak about her:
"You always said how lucky you were that we were all friends. But it was us, baby, who were the lucky ones."
If I had to re-cast the characters of RENT, Georgie would have to be our Angel. She was a free spirit who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She was an amazing young woman and she will always have a place in our hearts.