Maeghan Bates

Maeghan Smith Bates was born on April 23, 1994, to her loving parents, Kelton and Jill Smith. Born and raised in Poplarville, MS, she was surrounded from the very beginning by a big, devoted, close-knit family built on a foundation of pure love. Anyone who knew Maeghan knew how deeply she loved her parents, a true Daddy’s girl and her Mom’s best friend. She was a loving older sister to Jake and Kyleigh. She was their biggest fan in every way, but always ready to offer a little unsolicited advice when she felt it was needed. Later in life, Jake’s marriage blessed her with another cherished sister, Morgan. Maeghan grew up surrounded by cousins who were raised more like siblings. They spent most of their days together, making memories they never knew would become so deeply cherished. She also shared an especially close bond with her aunts, a sacred friendship built on countless laughs and even more love. Maeghan graduated from Poplarville High School in 2012 and went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Zach. Their marriage blessed her with even more family to love, including one more little sister, Shailey. Together, Zach and Maeghan built the life she had always dreamed of. Through that love, Maeghan fulfilled her greatest calling: becoming a mother to Mack, Millie, and Lindie.

Maeghan was the kind of person who instantly lit up any room she walked into. Everyone felt seen by her. She was effortlessly funny, the kind of person you wanted beside you on your worst days because she could lift any spirit just by being herself. She spoke her mind with honesty, sometimes a little too much honesty, but always out of love. She was your biggest cheerleader, the friend you wanted in your corner for every moment, big or small. Selfless and giving, Maeghan poured herself out for others without hesitation, never expecting anything in return. Above all else, Maeghan was a mother. The best mother. To say she was devoted does not begin to capture the depth of her love. Her children were her whole world. Being their mama was her greatest joy and her highest calling. All she ever wanted in life was to be a mother, and she fulfilled that role with a love that was fierce, tender, and unwavering. Her children were drawn to her in the most natural way, glued to the safety, joy, and love she provided. Family meant everything to Maeghan. She shared a uniquely close bond with every aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, and grandparent. She loved every child in her life as if they were her own and never minded a chaotic house full of little ones, there was nothing she loved more. Maeghan did life fully and was intentional with every relationship. That same depth of love extended to her close circle of friends, who she considered family. Maeghan was the kind of friend who showed up no matter what. Listening, supporting, celebrating, and carrying others through their hardest moments. Maeghan shared a true small-town love story with her husband, Zach. He was her calm, her safe place, and her best friend. He was the love of her life. Maeghan also loved the Lord with all of her heart. She was strong in her faith and believed deeply in the power of prayer, trusting that God was writing her story and walking with her through every trial. She lived her life loving others the way Jesus would.

Maeghan’s passing has left a void felt throughout our entire community. From lifelong friends and classmates to acquaintances and even those who barely knew her. Everyone has a story. Everyone has something good and meaningful to say. That is the mark of a truly genuine person, the definition of a heart of gold. Though her life on earth ended far too soon, her story is not over. Her light will continue to shine, through her children, through the lives she touched, and through the countless hearts that carry her with them. A light this bright could never fade.

May we not only remember Maeghan, but honor her by living a little more like she did, loving more intentionally, giving more freely, and finding joy in everyday moments. What a beautiful honor it must be to look down from Heaven and see that your life left such an unforgettable mark, knowing every second was spent loving others with your whole heart. We will spend a lifetime missing her and making sure her children know every detail of their Mother’s legacy.

Family and friends are invited to attend Maeghan's funeral service on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 2:30 pm, at The Brownstone Center, located at 101 Highway 11 N, Poplarville, Mississippi.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that, donations be made for her children.