A Columbus native and the daughter of the late Willie E. and Doris L. Whitley Gates, Mrs. Colon was a 1973 graduate of Baker High School. She retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after 35 years of service. She was a member of Wynnton Hill Baptist Church and a member of American Legion Post 267, served as President of the South Columbus Raiders Youth Football League(CYF) and was a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 31 years, Carmelo I. Colon-Gaudinot, Sr., and a brother, James T. Gates, Sr.

Surviving are two daughters, Tameka D. Gates, Antonia C. Colon; a son, Robert W. Colon; four grandchildren, Tramiyah L. Gates, Cameron I. Gates, Carlton A. Tynes IV and Carmelo A. Colon; a beloved sister, Gloria Jean Smith; nieces and nephews, Jenitha Gouch(Marcell), Kenyatta Blacks, Larry Smith, Jr., Dwayne Gates(Vivian) and James T. Gates, Jr; a son-in-law, Carlton A. Tynes III; a brother-in-law, Larry Smith, Sr; an "adopted" brother, Rev. David T. Holston; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.