Mrs. Merilian Bates, 90 of Jackson passed away at her home on September 25, 2020. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 1:00 PM in the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons, with burial to follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. Bro. Larry Kirk will officiate the service.
Mrs. Bates was born in New Madrid, MO on March 26, 1930 to the late Curtis and Opal Powell Benthal. She was a member of First Baptist Bemis and was a homemaker.
She loved crafts of all kinds, particularly needlework and gifted many things to friends and family. She was a faithful member of The Quilters at her church. Another of her special talents was baking which she also shared freely.
Other than her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband James Howard Bates; two sons Howard Darryl Bates and Gaylon Dean Bates, and a daughter-in-law Patricia Ann Bates, and 3 grandsons.
She is survived by her children Deborah (Johnnie) Grantham of Medon, Cheryl (Johnnie) Flatt of Henderson and James Curtis Bates of Cedar Grove, 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Monday, September 28, 2020 from 5PM to 8PM at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons.
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