Felicia Ann Reilly Bates of Bowling Green Kentucky, formerly of Warner Robins Georgia, was born on October 8, 1943 in Nashville Tennessee and entered into the presence of her heavenly father on November 17, 2020 at the age of 77. Born to Catherine Elizabeth Easley Reilly and Joseph Leo Reilly, she was the second of five children, and of the Catholic faith. She was a Saint Bernard Academy graduate, and soon after high school joined the United States Air Force where she met her husband Jack.
Felicia was known for her big heart and witty sense of humor. She was known to many as Memaw, as she cared for children in her home after retiring from Radiology Associates in Macon Georgia. She cared for and sacrificed much for her family & adored her husband, two sons and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, John William Bates, “Jack”, and three sisters, Patricia Holmes, & husband Mike, Rebecca Brown, & Husband George, and Catherine Mitchell. One brother, Skipper Reilly and best friend, Sherron Bailey.
She is survived by her two sons; John and wife Lisa, and Jeff and fiancé Junita. Five grandchildren; Johnny Bates and wife Morgan, Jacqueline Black and husband Daniel, Heather Bates, Mickey Bates and wife Jerlyn, Jessi Bates and fiancé Ryan.
Five great grandchildren; Christopher Swanson, Trenton Swanson, Jaycee-Jo Bates, Arabella Jey Bates, Lillian Tate Black, and little Jack Bates, due in May. Also surviving are brother-in-law David Mitchell and wife Kathey, sister-in-law Joan Bloodworth and Husband Don, and daughter-in-law, Susan Bragg and husband Frank. Cousins Janice Weaver (Lonnie) and Ed Fitzgerald.
Nieces, Shannon Meyer (John), Michelle Holmes, Leah Bloodworth and Katie Mitchell; nephews, Mike Holmes (Linda), Chuck Homes (Shelly), Brian Brown (Alexa), Reilly Mitchell (Denise), Joey Brown, Andrew Mitchell, Donny Bloodworth and Scott Bloodworth (Michelle); as well as several great nieces and nephews.
Special friends Lynn Brooks, Kitten Arbuckle and Rick and Sun Kuriger.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 28, 2020 from Noon-2 PM, with funeral mass following at Marshall Donnelly and combs Funeral Home, Nashville Tennessee. Felicia will be laid to rest in Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville Georgia, at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:
Dementia Society of America
PO Box 600
Doylestown, PA 18901 or the
American Heart Association
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