Delores J. Bates

Delores Vildibill Bates of Pelham, AL, passed away December 17, 2021. She was born on February 17, 1934 in Birmingham, AL. Dee is preceded in death by her sisters, Tommy Cope and Geneva Brooks; her son, Steve Bates and her daughter, Karen Legé; her grandson, Marcus Bates; and the love of her life, Malvin Goldstein. Malvin and Dee were together for 39 years. While together, they traveled all 50 states and some countries abroad. Dee is survived by her siblings, Buddy Vildibill and Mary McClusky; her son, Chris Bates and his wife Patricia; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Jason, Cari (Chad), Amanda (Shane), Jeremy (Sonya), and Timothy (Danielle); her great-grandchildren, Alaina, Andy, Aaron, Calob, Elizabeth, Gracie, Jaceton, Britton, Hannah Grace, Hayden, Ava, Hannah Lauren, Marissa, Dominique, Jisselle; her great-great grandchildren, Drake, Raven and Elliott. Delores worked for Bellsouth for 34 1/2 years and was a member of Valleydale Church for over 20 years. She had many hobbies such as art, volunteering at nonprofit organizations, and being a member of the Red Hat ladies. Delores was an amazing artist. She has many award winning paintings, as well as many paintings displayed in the halls of UAB hospital. She volunteered at Save-A-Life and assisted living teaching art classes and was recently featured in the Shelby County Reporter for her love of art and her volunteer work. She was loved by all for her giving and kind spirit.

A visitation for Delores will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.southernheritagefunerals.com for the Bates family.