Julie Bates

Julie Ann Bates, age 63, passed away on November 20, 2025, after a courageous fight with ALS. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to Nancy Haines and the late John Norman, and was later lovingly raised as well by her stepfather, the late Jim Haines.

Julie’s life was shaped by both deep resilience and an unwavering commitment to care for others. She is survived by her husband Lawrence Bates; mother, Nancy; her step-sisters, Joette Rushton, Ladonna Haines, and Karla Salisbury; and her cherished children, Savannah Greenlee (MacGregor), Mattie Bates, and Carter Bates. She was Grandma to her beloved grandchildren, Louise and Francis Greenlee, who brought her endless joy. She is preceded in death by her father, John; her stepfather, Jim; and her brother, John E. “Eddie” Norman.

Julie’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family. She opened her heart and home to many as a foster parent and lovingly embraced several step children, honorary children and grandchildren: Beau Gregory, Matthew Gregory, Melinda MeGahee, Alicia Cochran (Nash and Navy), Christina Maslow (Sophia), Jaque Yang, Jamie Russell (deceased), and many others who considered her a guiding light in their lives.

Julie helped raise the next generation as she treated a constantly growing crew to the latest blockbuster after a holiday meal. She invested in togetherness with every visit home, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins fondly recall the times spent playing carpool karaoke to the oldies, the trips to the beach in a rented 15-passenger van, or convincing Julie to play getaway driver while they rolled the houses of friends with toilet paper as kids.

Throughout her life, Julie wore many hats—each with passion and purpose. She was a teacher, educator, real estate agent, farmer, homesteader, goat healer, and tireless advocate for those in her care. Whatever the role, Julie met it with determination, creativity, and a fierce dedication to helping others. She was truly a force to be reckoned with—bold, hardworking, stubborn in all the best ways, and endlessly generous. Julie’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the children she guided, and the animals she tended.

Family and friends are welcome to join us for a visitation service at Ridout's-Brown-Service Prattville Chapel (347 E Main St, Prattville, AL 36067) on Saturday, November 22nd. The family will gather privately at 5:30 and will receive all other guests and loved ones from 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held at Sandy Ridge Methodist Church (6680 Montgomery Hwy [US Hwy 31], Letohatchee, AL 36047 in the township of Sandy Ridge) on Sunday, November 23rd at 2pm with a Graveside service to follow.

Those wishing to send flowers may have them delivered to the visitation service and highly recommend using Prattville Flower Shop.

Memorial gifts may also be made in Julie’s honor to the following charities: Feed Northland Kids (in Kansas City) or The ALS Association (Team Gleason, the Kansas City Chapter, or other local chapter of your choosing). The family extends heartfelt thanks for every gesture of love and support.