Thelma (Young) Bates

On Friday October 22, 2021 Deaconess Thelma Bates was called home to be with the Lord. The
sun rose for her on November 11, 1935, Thelma was preceded in death by her husband
William Bates, mother Eliza Young, father George Edmond, brother Odell (Sonny) Edmonds,

daughter Thelma Christian and son James O. Bates.
Thelma was born and educated in Fluvanna Co., Va. She accepted Christ early on and
worshiped at West Bottom Baptist Church. She served as the church clerk, deaconess, usher,
Sunday school teacher, missionary board member and enjoyed singing in multiple choirs.

Thelma was blessed with nine children leaving behind eight. Barbara J. Gaines (Joseph), Bertha
B. Thomas (Willis, Jr.), Kevin N. Bates (Jennifer), all of Palmyra, VA; Wayne (Deborah) of Troy,
VA Samuel L. Bates (Venessa) of Manassas, VA, Karan Gilliam (Jerry) of Cartersville, VA, Ann M.
Brown of Charlottesville, Va. Rosa Brent of Palmyra, VA

daughter in-law Tommizene Rice-Bates of Woodbridge, Va, Two brothers Shedrick Young
(Margaret J), J'Marco Hill of Buckingham VA one sister Barbara Wilkins (William) of
Mitchellville, Md. Two sister-in-law Margaret B. Young and Florine B. Felton, Twenty
grandchildren, twenty seven great grandchildren, caregiver Tonisha Gilliam and a host
relatives and friends.

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