Obituary of Anna Mae Bates

Born Annie Mae Butler to the loving parents of John J. and Tinnie Lee (Ewing) in Omaha, Nebraska. Anna was a child of God and a firm believer in Jesus Christ. She was baptized at an early age at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Rev. Foster S. Goodwin/ Pastor Cedric L. Perkins.

Anna met and married the love of her life Robert Bruce Bates, Sr. in 1947 and reunited in marriage in 1974 until his demise January 19, 1997. Anna will be cherished and missed by all who knew and loved her. Anna became a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church in Seaside, California and was appointed Deaconess Bates in 1984. Anna was office secretary on the church finance committee and lead vocal soprano in the choir. Anna was also Church Mother at Great Evergreen MBC in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Anna loved butterflies, being a foster parent, Bingo, cooking, shopping, traveling, and singing soprano loudly hitting those high notes at home. Anna participated in various organizations: The Order of the Eastern Star, Anna was a drum majorette and marched with the Iroquois Elks Lodge, and was a school crossing guard at age 80. She was known as Anna Mae, Momma, Grandma, and loved being called Pookie by her grandson, Robert Bates III. Anna was a devoted loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a powerful force while raising her own 9 children, neighborhood children, and foster children.