Doris S. Bates

Bates, Doris "Dot" Sparks, 79, of Plantation, FL went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 8, 2012. She is loved and remembered by her devoted daughter Cynthia Bates of Plantation, sons William (Bonnie) Bates of Naples, and Tom (Tammy) Bates of Austin, TX and as beloved grandmother to Katelyn, Jordan, Jonathon and Christa.

Doris is a longtime member of Plantation Garden Club and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ with membership at First Baptist Church of Plantation, ordained Deacon in 1983 and served as church administrator from 1987 to 1997. She is currently a member at Plantation United Methodist Church. Doris has been voted "Woman of the Year", served in leadership positions and was active in school PTA's when her children were young. At age 5, Doris survived the early death of her mother Goldie Mae Church from TB during the Great Depression. She is preceded in death by her father A.B. Sparks and her beloved husband, high school sweetheart and life-long love Billy I. Bates.

Doris is a cancer survivor when she was in her early twenties. Through it all she never lost her faith and ability to love those who God had given her to love. She will be missed by a loving family and many devoted friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 13 from 2-3pm followed by a funeral service at 3pm at Plantation United Methodist Church. Burial will take place in Huntsville, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plantation Garden Club, 882 N. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL 33317 or to Plantation United Methodist Church 1001 NW 70th Ave. Plantation, FL 33313.

Arrangements by Fred Hunter's University Drive Home, Davie, FL.