Valeria "Polly" O. Bates

Valeria (Polly) Orr Bates died peacefully at her home on December 18, 2025, with family by her side. Polly was born in Atlanta on May 9, 1937, growing up on her family’s property that included The Fritz Orr Club, later working summers at Camp Merrie-Woode, the family’s camp in the North Carolina mountains. She attended E. Rivers, Morris Brandon, Northside High School, Westminster, and Hollins College.

Polly was predeceased by her parents, Fritz and Augusta Orr, and her brother, Fritz Orr Jr. She is survived by her two sisters, Tinsley Northen (David, deceased) and Lucille Morrison (Lane) and their many children and grandchildren.

Polly enjoyed several roles during her 88 years, celebrating faith, family and friends. She was the loving “Moma” of Thomas Bates (Lisa), Claire Bates Stanfill (Tommy), Fritz Bates (Valerie), and Tinsley Bates Spessard (Mike). She was adored as “BG” (Beautiful Grandmother) to ten dearly devoted grandchildren and eighteen highly energized great grandchildren. And she was singularly “Polly” to countless friends, many going back to grammar school and continuing for more than 60 years in “The Bridge Club.” She served with The Junior League of Atlanta, and she was an active member of North Avenue Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service and reception will be held at North Avenue Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 PM.

Gifts in memory of Polly can be sent to:

Atlanta Mission, 921 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318 (atlantamission.org) or

Camp Merrie-Woode, 100 Camp Merrie-Woode Road, Sapphire, NC 28774 (merriewoode.com)