Melissa Ann Bates

Melissa obtained her Graduation Certificate in 1993 and her Cosmetology License in 1995. She later attended the University of Central Oklahoma to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. In 2009 she pursued an education in Culinary Arts and attended Rose State College in 2019 where she earned her Associates Degree. Melissa was a certified baker for a local bakery for 8 years. She loved cooking, that was her true passion and she always made sure no one was ever hungry. She also enjoyed doing yard work as she loved being outdoors. Above all else she loved spending time with her grandkids who she called her "babies".

Melissa received multiple certifications in all of the things she loved, but it was becoming a mother and grandmother that she cherished the most. Melissa was a devout Christian and was affiliated with many different church families. Melissa received 2 awards for being the top of her class in 2 different culinary contests.

Melissa is preceded in death by her brother, Kyle Bates; and her grandson, Dreyvin, Jr.

She is survived by her parents, Roland Keith Bates & Ceryl Jan (Montgomery) Bates; daughter, Sierra Jones & husband Edward Jones, III; son, D.J. Black; daughter, Cheyenne Black; son, Dorieon Bates; son, Dreyvin Black; daughter, Antoria Ray; sister, Katrina Cox; brother, Kyle Bates; sister, Krista Miller & husband Anthony; brother, Cory Bates; brother, Cody Bates; step-brothers, Roby, Brent, Justin, Thomas & Cory; step-mom, Diane Bates; grandkids, Emarie, Justice, E.J., T'Zion, Tyree, Drey Jr., and 1 more on the way; nieces & nephews, Dyllan, Hailey, Tyler, Austin, Jayden, Alexis, Niathan & Raidyn.

A visitation for Melissa will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Bill Eisenhour NE Funeral Home, 8805 NE 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73141. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2022 at the Bill Eisenhour NE Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Arlington Memory Gardens, Midwest City, OK.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eisenhourfuneralhome.com for the Bates family.