Naomi Fitzgerald Bates

Born in Lynchburg, VA, on April 7, 1938, Naomi was the daughter of the late Richard D. Fitzgerald and Littie C. Fitzgerald. She was also preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Rosie Lawson, Judy Lawson, Helen Phillips, and Maola Waterman.

Naomi was a woman of deep faith whose kindness and generosity touched everyone she met. She adored her family and found great joy in her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love extended beyond people to her cherished cat, Molly. In her younger years, she had a passion for figure skating, and later in life, she enjoyed cheering on her favorite NASCAR drivers. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her two sons, Clinton Bates and Calvin Bates (Cheryl); her siblings, Jane Holland and Richard Fitzgerald (Margo); her grandchildren, Elizabeth M. Bates (Danielle), Sarah R. Atkins (Ryan), and Calvin M. Bates; and her great-grandchildren, Sawyer B. Patterson and Hudson J. Patterson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location, officiated by Richard T. Fitzgerald II. Burial will take place at Fort Hill Memorial Park. Reception to follow at 456 Oakland Circle, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502, or online at www.lynchburghumane.org, in honor of Naomi’s love for animals.