Lillie Blount Bates

On this 22nd day of February in 2023 by God’s grace and eternal mercy, Lillie Bell Blount Bates, was surrounded by her children as she entered the Gates of Heaven. It is because of her faith and unwavering love for our Lord and Saviour, she is suffering no longer and free from all the earthly pain. Although our hearts are breaking, we are rejoicing in the Heavenly reunion she is having. Reuniting with her parents and siblings that went ahead is a joyful day. Also, the long-awaited gift of seeing her daughter, Angela (SueSue) and son, Merle (JJ) pain free is an answered prayer. What a deserved blessing it will be!

Lillie Bell was born May 31, 1943 to Noble Earl Blount and Nellie Gertrude Clark in Fleming, GA. Unfortunately, only eight short years later, Lillie Bell’s mother went home with the Lord. This was only the beginning of the many hardships that she would have to overcome or endure. She had no choice but to grow up very quickly. In 1961 she met our father, Arthur Vineyard Bates in a kissing contest at Fort Stewart. They later married on July 20, 1962. Together they blessed this world with eight beautiful children, Richard Aaron (Shella) of Jacksonville, FL, Rex Adrain of Midway, GA, Arthur Darnell (Lisa) of Charlotte, NC, Angela Darlene (SueSue) one of Heaven’s angels, Merle Jay Travis also one of Heaven’s angels, Dana Andrew (Michelle) of Ludowici, GA, William Earl - Tootie (Susan) of Fleming, GA and Derreline DaRhonda of Fleming, GA.

Not only a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, she was also “Aunt Bell” to so many that love her. As a homemaker, her children were her whole life. She also enjoyed dancing, carpentry, poetry, and sneaking down the “Fannie Hole” to fish. She was also a very talented poet. Poetry was her way of expressing her feelings as she often felt shy and misunderstood. As with poetry, she also possessed the gift of song writing. She composed “Troubled Times” and had it recorded by singer Dodie. Our mother was the most loving, free-hearted, giving, and devoted souls that the Lord created. She always gave to those in need, never wanting anything in return. She was a devoted Christian, belonging to Fleming Baptist Church. Lillie Bell went ahead to prepare a place for her remaining children, 22 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. We cannot wait for the day we are all together again!

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Carter Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Carter Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.