Dorothy "Dot" Martha Bates

Born in Pickens, South Carolina and a daughter of the late Clive and Anniebelle Henderson Bates. She was a graduate of Pickens High School and Draughon Business College. She retired with over 40 years of service as an Executive Secretary at Blue Ridge Electric Co-op. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Easley, S.C. before moving to Monroe where she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe, N.C.

Surviving is one sister; Frances B. Vaughan of Monroe, NC; a nephew, Ray E. Vaughan, Jr. (Sheri) of Troutdale, VA; nieces Lisa V. Coley (Tim) of Marshville, NC; Dena V. Stackhouse (Jimmy) of Seven Lakes, NC; four great nephews Tyler Vaughan (Paige) of Flagstaff, AZ; Garrett Vaughan (Moriah) of Locust, NC; Julian Coley of Marshville, NC; Preston Stackhouse (Lora) of Hampstead, NC; three great nieces, Madeline Schaaf (David) and Amelia Helms (Andrew) all of Marshville, NC; Carrie Barber (Lance) of Jackson Springs, NC; and seven great nieces and nephews and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by two brothers; Reuben and William Bates; two sisters Mildred I. Bates and Julia B. Hunnicutt.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens South Carolina, officiated by Pastor, Dr. John Adams.

A special thank you to Julie Tarlton, sweet friend and caregiver, her faithful friends Vicki and Larry Tuggle, her Deacon, Crystal Brantley and her Hospice Team, Mandy Horne and Shevon Melton.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to Atrium Hospice of Union County, 700 West Roosevelt Boulevard, Monroe, NC 28110.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.