MCLEANSVILLE — Mrs. Ernestine C. Bates, 73, departed from this life on Friday, April 15, 2011, at Moses Cone Hospital.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Norton, Virginia, with Pastor Freddie Bates officiating.
Born to the late Willis and Dollie Collins, in Norton, Virginia, Mrs. Bates was of the Pentecostal faith. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family. She appreciated the simple things in life. She enjoyed taking trips down to the lake, cooking, and baking. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 56 years, Donald "Sonny" Glenn Bates, Sr.; sons, Donald "Donnie" Glenn Bates, Jr. of McLeansville and Gerald Lynn Bates of Burkeville, Virginia; daughter, Donna Gail Bates of McLeansville; sister, Linda Faye Ayers of Virginia; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends following the graveside service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel has the honor of assisting the Bates family.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
