Theresa Ann Bates

Theresa Ann Bates, 71, of New Bern, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. She was born August 19, 1953, to the late Jackie Lord and Beverly Jones. An avid caretaker, she devoted her life to helping children, including those in her church and her neighborhood.

Leaving behind to honor and cherish Theresa's life and memories are her son, Matthew Bates, his wife, Maria, and their children, Madeleine, Benjamin and Charlotte; her granddaughter Ashley Bates and her son, Onnovus Bates; her brother, Richard Lord; and many loving family members and close friends.

Theresa is preceded in death by her loving husband of 37 years, George Bates; daughter, Angela Bates; and sisters, Rae Jeanne Adams and Susan Burge.

A celebration of Theresa's life will be held at 11am on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Foundation Life Fellowship, located at 2827 Ashland Ave, New Bern, NC 28560. Theresa will be laid to rest beside her husband at New Bern Memorial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Foundation Life Fellowship’s children’s program.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Theresa Ann Bates.