Enid Gates

Obituary Funeral services for Enid Witherspoon Gates of Carlsbad, NM will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Sunset Church of Christ in Carlsbad, NM with Dr. James Jones officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Denton-Wood Funeral Home. She was 100 years of age. Enid was born January 1, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois to Leona Thompson Phillips and Mr. Phillips. She was an only child. Enid passed away at her home on December 2, 2019 in Carlsbad, NM. Enid Yvonne Phillips was later adopted by Lorton B. Doc Bowman, her step-father. Mr. Bowman was a Veteran of Foreign Wars and of WWI. Doc was a second husband to Leona Phillips who wed December 2, 1934. Enid was taught the art of dance by her mother, who saw a talent and encouraged her daughter to excel. Consequently, Enid began dancing publicly at the tender age of 12. She began with ballet and moved into modern dance, where she began performing professionally at the age of 14. Enid Phillips (her stage name) became a member of the American Guild of Variety Artists at the age of 20 years in October, 1939. She made a career of dancing and performed with musicians, performers, and actors including the Glen Miller Band. She danced a part in the film, The King and I. Enid worked for MGM Studios and was a dancer under contract to Paramount Studios appearing as one of the dancers in the film The Imperfect Lady starring Mr. Ray Milland and Miss Teresa Wright in 1945, which was released in 1946. Enids comment to Cassandra, Miss Wright and Mr. Milland were very nice people. Enid met Harold Douglas Joe Witherspoon in Albuquerque, NM following her act. Joe was on his way home from the Navy where he served in World War II in Guam, etc. as a surgical nurse. Joes sister Helen introduced Joe to Enid after having taking a liking to her, she said, Enid, this is the man you are going to marry. Two weeks later they wed in Odessa, Texas in 1946. The Witherspoon household was set up in Lovington, NM where Joe began an automobile business. Joe sold Enids automobile and with the proceeds, purchased two automobiles and the rest is history, cementing Joes new vocation. Truth be told, Enid was quite surprised that her brand new automobile was missing and two used automobiles stood in its place. Joe rented a room for he and Enid as their first place to live, from a kindly older couple as was common in those days. Both Joe and Enid began searching for a local church who followed only the Bible. The elderly couple began sharing the Gospel Message telling them about the Church of Christ. Every time Joe asked a question, the gentleman answered by never giving his opinion about the Word of God, giving only book, chapter and verse of the Bible. Joe and Enid were greatly impressed and henceforth began attending the local Church of Christ where the Gospel message of Jesus Christ was taught. The Truth eventually led to both being immersed into Christ having their sins washed away and being raised up to walk in newness of life! Enid stated to family over the years, that was the best thing I ever did. They were members of the Church of Christ in Lovington, NM where Joe served as a Deacon. Enid began a new career as a homemaker. She was very active in the community and belonged to several clubs and various organizations. In 1982, Secretary of State of NM, Shirley Hooper, conferred the Certificate of Nobility to Enid Witherspoon for her service. Joe and Enid adopted Douglas Witherspoon as a young child and about two years later adopted a baby boy whom they named Dee Leon Witherspoon. Enid lost husband Joe Witherspoon in 1980 and son, Doug Witherspoon May 6, 2016. Enids parents Doc and Leona Bowman. Enid is survived by son, Dr. Dee Witherspoon and Cassandra Witherspoon and their sons: Merritt and wife, Sarah Witherspoon of Austin, Texas and Austin and wife, Jazmine Witherspoon of Ruidoso, NM; daughter-in-law, Janey Witherspoon of Hobbs, NM and son, Allen Witherspoon and fianc, Jennifer Warden of Odessa, Texas; Allen Witherspoons daughter, Siera (Enids great granddaughter) and husband, Mark Grano of Euless, Texas; nephew, Michael (Mickey) Witherspoon of Richland, Washington and his children, Jon, Josh, Kalie, Chad, Matt and Kevin all of Richland, Washington; niece,Jackie Lee Witherspoon-Melton and husband, Lyn of Saint George, Utah. Enids favourite Bible verse is found in the book of Psalm, Chapter 118 verse 24: This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Enid Gates, please visit our floral store.