Erma Taylor Bates

She was born 13 October 1932 in Trimble, Alabama to Adolphus Calvin Taylor and Pearlie Manolia “Pearl” Persall Taylor. She was a devout Christian, being baptized August 1946 at Bowman’s Chapel Methodist Church. For the rest of her life, she was a member. She graduated from Cullman High School 1952. She met the love of her life, Wylmer Levester Bates, in her teens and they were married 24 December 1953 at her parent’s home in Trimble. They were married for 50 years until his death in 2004.

She worked for Progressive Farmer for several years. When she had children, she stopped working until the youngest was school age. Then she started working at Good Hope School to be close to the children and have the same schedule as them until her retirement.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Wylmer Levester Bates, parents Adolphus Calvin and Pearlie Manolia “Pearl Persall Taylor, her paternal grandparents Madison Henry Harrison and Nancy Sullivan Taylor, her maternal grandparents John Madison and Modenia Francis Calvert Persall, Danny Ray Taylor, John H. Harden, Jr. Her sisters and brother-in-laws Gracie Alene Taylor Speegle Russell (Roscoe E. Speegle and Hubert H. Russell) and Lottie Inez Taylor Stewart (Marvin E. Stewart), and one brother, Floyd Ray Taylor.

She is survived by her son, Michael Taylor Bates (John Paul Myrick) of Wynne and like-children Gary M. Taylor (Terri Croy), Brenda Taylor Harden, Rodney J. Taylor (April Vanderburg), daughter-in-law Kathy Boyett Taylor. Grandchildren: April L. Taylor Delong, Jeremy D. Taylor (Rachel Tidwell), Christi N. Yarbrough Trevino (Tony Trevino), Jennifer P. Yarbrough Espinoza, Justin S. Vanderburg (Hallie Waters), Tyler J. Vanderburg (Lacy Smart), R. Chase Taylor (Mary Jay Sweeney), and Lindsey M. Taylor Hagan (Zach Hagan) Great-grandchildren: Lydia Burk, Torie Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Addison Foster, Zoey Espinoza, Brayden A. Vanderburg, Layla Smart, Ansley Vanderburg, Jordan T. Vanderburg, John Travis (JT) Taylor, Emyerson F. Taylor, Isabelle Hagan, Carter Matthew Hagan, Teddie Callen Hagan, and one due in September, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for taking care of Mother, during her time of need, caretakers Aretha, Taconia, Kamylle, Hannah, and Brittany.

Grandchildren and Nephews will be the pallbearers.

Delbert Freeman Officiating.

Visitation will be held at Moss-Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Ave North West, Cullman, AL 350555827, on August 20, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am.

A Celebration of Life will follow at Moss-Service Funeral Home on August 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Bowmans Chapel Cemetery, County Road 310, Cullman, AL 35057, on August 20, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Moss Service Funeral Home Directing.