Nia

Gates

Nia  Forever In Our Hearts

Nia Tamia Gates entered into her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior on November 9, 2025. She was born on November 7, 2007, and she lived a life filled with  kindness, determination, and strength that inspired all who knew her.

Nia was a member of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, and she accepted God into her life at a very early age.  Nia was a vibrant and beloved member of the Nettleton High School student body, where she was in the 12th grade. While in school, Nia was an active member of the track team, the soccer team, the basketball team, the yearbook staff, and the band. Nia was extremely passionate about track & field, and she placed at several track meets and won many awards & accolades. Nia also worked as a team member at Tellini's in Tupelo, and she enjoyed spending time with her friends. Their favorite things to do were taking photos, going to the mall, and going to local games. Nia also loved being a great big sister to her little sister, Ny'Zaiah.

Nia had dreams of attending Mississippi State University and becoming a registered nurse. We know that Nia would've made a wonderful nurse because she had a passion for helping others and serving her community.

Nia is survived by her parents Valerie Clay and Marty Gates; her sister Ny'Zaiah Hubbard; and her grandparents Diane Clay, Clinton Morris, Jr. , James Gates and Betty Gates. She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents Tommy Gene Clay, Sr. & Minnie Lee Clay, and Hattie Mae Green & Clinton (Honey) Morris, Sr.; two great-aunts Earnestine Clay-Parks and Vanessa Ann Clay; two great-uncles Tommy Gene Clay, Jr. and Jerry Lee Clay, and one cousin, Derrick Ja'shawn Gates.

Though her time here was brief, Nia's legacy of kindness, strength, and love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.  Nia will be greatly missed and her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.