Obituary for Barbara Bates (Gatlin)
Barbara Gatlin Bates was born on December 16, 1941 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the fifth youngest child of the late Lum and Eliza Gatlin. She received her wings on June 10, 2017.
Barbara was educated in the Atlanta Public School System and received her High School Diploma from Booker T. Washington High School. She was raised in the 5th ward community and was loved by many, including a suiter, Eugene Bates.
Barbara and Eugene were united in marriage. To this union, three children were born; son, Gregory Bernard Bates (who preceded her in death); and daughters, Valerie Bates, and Pamela Bates Battle. Barbara and Eugene’s marriage of 57 years was held together by her belief and faith in God. She faithfully cared for Eugene after he became ill until her passing.
Barbara was the sweetest and most selfless person in the world. She had a close and real relationship with God. That relationship was introduced to her by her mother Eliza; whom she loved, admired, respected, and took care of until her passing. Barbara was a member of Greater Springfield Baptist Church for 42 years, but she attended many years before formally joining. She served dutifully for many years on the Usher Board.
Barbara was the rock for her family and many friends. She harmoniously thanked God for all of her blessings with “I Thank you once, I Thank you twice, I Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ.” This was a part of her poetic ability as she wrote many poems.
Barbara was employed at Mutual Industries as a fabric cutter for more than 20 years. While employed at Mutual Industries, she attended night school at the Monosa School of Beauty. After she graduated, Barbara obtained her State License in Cosmetology, which she still holds. Along her educational path, she obtained a certification in Nursing Aid that enabled her to take care of many of her beloved family.
Barbara leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband of 57 years, Eugene Bates; daughters, Valerie Bates, and Pamela Bates Battle; six grandchildren, Sherrita Farley, Quantrez (Veronica) Wideman, Darius Fudge, Shanice Bates, Ray Battle Jr., and Rashinda Melody Shade; two great-grandchildren, Kierra Farley, who she held dear in her heart, and Preston LaDarius Fudge, who she held a few weeks ago at 1 day old; two sisters, Sallie Mae Harris, and Eddie Lou (Roscoe) Williams, one brother, J.C Gatlin; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Bates Tucker, and Sheila Hester Gatlin; her favorite niece, Margaret O’Hara Rainey; her BFF, Barbara Hollis; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, June 15th, 2017, 11:00 am, at Greater Springfield Baptist Church 721 Jones Avenue NW Atlanta, Georgia 30314. Interment Lincoln Cemetery.
Barbara was educated in the Atlanta Public School System and received her High School Diploma from Booker T. Washington High School. She was raised in the 5th ward community and was loved by many, including a suiter, Eugene Bates.
Barbara and Eugene were united in marriage. To this union, three children were born; son, Gregory Bernard Bates (who preceded her in death); and daughters, Valerie Bates, and Pamela Bates Battle. Barbara and Eugene’s marriage of 57 years was held together by her belief and faith in God. She faithfully cared for Eugene after he became ill until her passing.
Barbara was the sweetest and most selfless person in the world. She had a close and real relationship with God. That relationship was introduced to her by her mother Eliza; whom she loved, admired, respected, and took care of until her passing. Barbara was a member of Greater Springfield Baptist Church for 42 years, but she attended many years before formally joining. She served dutifully for many years on the Usher Board.
Barbara was the rock for her family and many friends. She harmoniously thanked God for all of her blessings with “I Thank you once, I Thank you twice, I Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ.” This was a part of her poetic ability as she wrote many poems.
Barbara was employed at Mutual Industries as a fabric cutter for more than 20 years. While employed at Mutual Industries, she attended night school at the Monosa School of Beauty. After she graduated, Barbara obtained her State License in Cosmetology, which she still holds. Along her educational path, she obtained a certification in Nursing Aid that enabled her to take care of many of her beloved family.
Barbara leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband of 57 years, Eugene Bates; daughters, Valerie Bates, and Pamela Bates Battle; six grandchildren, Sherrita Farley, Quantrez (Veronica) Wideman, Darius Fudge, Shanice Bates, Ray Battle Jr., and Rashinda Melody Shade; two great-grandchildren, Kierra Farley, who she held dear in her heart, and Preston LaDarius Fudge, who she held a few weeks ago at 1 day old; two sisters, Sallie Mae Harris, and Eddie Lou (Roscoe) Williams, one brother, J.C Gatlin; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Bates Tucker, and Sheila Hester Gatlin; her favorite niece, Margaret O’Hara Rainey; her BFF, Barbara Hollis; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, June 15th, 2017, 11:00 am, at Greater Springfield Baptist Church 721 Jones Avenue NW Atlanta, Georgia 30314. Interment Lincoln Cemetery.