Marlene Antoinette Bates

Marlene was born in Pittsburgh, PN to the late Fredirick and Julieanne Grabel. She had a deep love for cooking, with a special passion for baking. Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and she lovingly sewed a blanket for each one. Family was at the heart of her life, she cherished every moment spent with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Oscar Brice Bates Jr.; daughter Jennifer King (Phil); son Patrick Bates (Lucy); and Christopher Bates (Angie); grandchildren: Madison, Joey, Preston (Angie), Christian (Jayde), Sydney (Alex), Cole, and Garrett; great-grandchildren: Cashton, Remi, Jaxon, Ryder, Mavrick, and Wyatt; sister Shirley McAndrews (Mike); brother Fred Grabel (Toni); three sister-in-laws Esther Fogle (George), Sandra Huntley, and Jeannie Bates; very special friends, Audrey Perry, George and Vanessa Giles; and furry friend Harry. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.

A visitation for Marlene will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, South Carolina 29671. A funeral Service will begin at 12:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. A committal service will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the City of Hope Cancer Hospital, Patient assistance-Los Angeles or to a Charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.