Mary Lu Gatewood, 83, died on February 20, 2020, in Fayetteville. She was born to E. Niles and Marcella Brown on March 26, 1936, in Elizabethton, TN.
She attended Science Hill High School and East Tennessee State University, where she had a newly-minted professor for history class her senior year. That professor, Willard B. Gatewood, Jr., went on to become her husband of over 50 years until his death in 2011. Lu and Willard moved to Fayetteville from Athens, GA., in 1970, where Lu enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Arkansas earning her Registered Nurse degree in 1975. She then went on to pursue a degree at Brigham Young University in one of the first Nurse Practitioner programs in 1978. She worked at Northwest Medical Center, Springdale, the V.A. Hospital, Fayetteville, and ended her career as Director of Nursing at the University of Arkansas Health Center, where she created the first Women’s Clinic. She was an ardent champion of college women’s health.
Lu was an unabashed Arkansas Razorback fan, known to troll the Hogville website at all hours, a voracious reader, and an artist of quilts, cross-stitch, and the piano.
Lu is survived by son Bill; daughter-in-law Jennifer Fawkes; daughter Ellis Elliott; son-in-law Tim; and beloved grandchildren Ben and Lucy Gatewood (both currently enrolled at the U of A), and Jon David, Pryor, and Timothy Stroud.
A private family service will be held Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the University of Arkansas, Study-Abroad Program-Community Health Nursing in Ghana.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. My heart is full reading it. My deepest condolences to you all.
Ellis and Bill, I’m so sad to hear about your sweet mother’s passing. Losing our parents is so hard. Sending lots of love to you and your families.
Dear Bill and Ellis, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Lu. She was formative to me and i just thought she was such a great person (your dad too). You may know we lost my dad a few months ago, so i know you are going through a lot. Take care and hug all the folks you love! Xoxo
My sincere condolences to all the grieving members of the Gatewood family. I recall her with fondness, and I know her death will leave a great void.
Bill and Family- so very sorry for your loss. While I only met her a few times, she was always very gracious and friendly. Thinking of you in the days ahead.
I am so sorry I was never able to meet Mrs. Gatewood! She sounds like a very interesting lady, very involved in the nursing program. We are sending a memorial per her wishes to the University of Arkansas, Study Abroad Program — Community Health Nursing in Ghana. Love to all the family.