Mrs. Willie Mae Bates' Obituary
Mrs. Willie Mae DuBose Bates affectionately known to many as "MaDear", was born April 20, 1929, to the union of the late Willie and Verna Dubose of Savoy, MS.· Willie M.ae was the eldest of four children of whom two preceded her in death; Lee Arthur Dubose and Eugene Dubose. After a short illness, God called MaDear to her heavenly home on February 25, 2015. Willie Mae confessed a hope in Christ at the age of 12 and united with New Prospect Baptist Church, Savoy. She worked in the church faithfully, smiling and greeting, until she could no longer. She served in several capacities over a period of 73 years, including: Choir member, Usher Board member, Missionary Society; Church Sunday School, Crusaders, Trustee and Deaconess Board, and President of the Hospitality Committee. She also worked diligently with the United Methodist Women. Mrs. Bates graduated from Harris High School in 1950 and entered Cosmetology School where she obtained her Cosmetology Instructor's license. She worked as a hairdresser and instructor at Calmese's Beauty School, instructing students during the day and military Veterans at night. As her career advanced, she was united with the love of her life and was joined in holy matrimony to Joe Henry Bates on May 11, 1955. To this union four children were born, Sylvia, Glen,Jerome and Reginald. Willie Mae was very active in her community as well as church. She served as an active community leader including: 4-H leader for more than 30 years and a member and officer of the Savoy Homemakers Club for more than 50 years, and an elected officer of the Mississippi State Homemakers Organization. She served as a member of the Meridian Beautician Club where she received two :Meridian Golden Pioneer Awards. She was a member of the Mississippi Independent Beautician Association, the South Volunteer Fire Department and Eastern Star as well. She also devoted the majority of her life helping whomever she could and caring for loved ones including her father, brother, mother-in-law and two aunts. To cherish her sweet memories, Willie Mae is survived by her devoted and faithfol husband of 59 years Joe Henry Bates, Meridian, MS; one daughter, Sylvia Gibson (Walter) Jackson, MS; three sons, Elder Glen Bates (Mary), Pastor Jerome Bates (Shelia) and Reginald Scott Bates, all of Meridian, MS; one brother George R. Dubose, Peru, Indiana; one sister Catherine Cole of Meridian, MS; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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