Mrs. Bates was born November 28, 1929, in High Point, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Marvin Earl Thurber and Thelma Brown. She was married on April 28, 1951, to the late George W. Bates, who died August 11, 1998.
Survivors include her sons, Gregory Alan Bates of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jon Scott Bates and wife, Marla Bates, of Indian Trail, North Carolina; brother, Donald Thurber and wife, Sally, of Arizona City, Arizona; four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joanne’s memory may be directed to the charity of your choice.
McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel is serving the Bates family.
