Funeral service for Mrs. Bernice Hall Gatlin Bates, age 87, of Fayetteville, will be conducted Monday, August 31, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Smith and Jerry Gatlin officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Bates passed away Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Donalson Care Center.
Mrs. Bates was a native of Belvidere, TN, the daughter of the late Robert H. and Beatrice Ervin Hall. Bernice worked at a variety store for 11 years, and ran a blueprint machine for 4 years in Alabama. After moving to Tennessee, she worked in the Dietary Department in nursing homes for 20 years. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and also a member of the VFW Aux., of which she was treasurer for 20 years.
She was married to the late Willis Lee Gatlin for 50 years. To this union was born 3 children, Sue (K.C.) White of Childresburg, AL, Roger Dale Gatlin of Peachtree City, GA, Ricky Lee (Melinda) Gatlin of Woodstock, GA. She is also survived by grandchildren Lee J. White, Onna (John) Baldwin, Gloria (Jason) Lathem, Krista (Clay) Overton, great grandchildren Ansley Lathem, Carson Lathem, Ethan Baldwin, Emmy Kate Baldwin, Evey Overton, sister Mildred Murphy of Estill Springs, TN, brother Robert Earl Hall of Smyrna, TN and several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by second husband Johnny Bates, grandson Rob White and brothers Lem Hall, Tommy Hall.
Visitation with the family will be Monday, August 31, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.
My heart goes out to each of you for your loss. Ms. Bernice was a good friend of my mother, Mrs. R. D. Williams.
Bless each of you.
So very sorry to here of Bernice’s death. She lived a very full life and she always knew and remembered me. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
I will miss you, Aunt Bernice. I remember you used to make quilts. I remember visiting with you when I was little and your kids were little, then when I was older at my mom’s. May you rest in peace. Your niece, Sharon Dodd
Sue, Roger, Rick & families – It has always been a true pleasure to know your Mom and enjoy her bubbly personality thru the years. She had a great life and always enjoyed bringing sunshine into the lives of everyone she met. Her love of family and country was deeply admired by her many friends and acquaintances. May God be with you in the coming days as you reflect on your blessings of being so blessed by her life. Sincerely, Rexine