NATCHEZ – Services for Jessie Fleming Bates, 68, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Glenburney Nursing Center, will be at noon Saturday at Southwood Lodge Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Hargrave officiating.
Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of George F. West Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 6 to 9 today at the funeral home and from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.
Mr. Bates was born Sept. 26, 1939, the son of Thelma Bates and L. Hutchins. He attended school in Adams County. Mr. Bates was retired from R.W. Delaney Construction Company after 40 years of service. He was baptized at an early age and became a member of Southwood Lodge Baptist Church where he remained until his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Cherishing his memories are his devoted wife, Adlean Bates; four children, Jerry Bates and companion, Angela, both of Natchez, Felecia Bell and companion, Leroy Jefferson, both of Garland, Texas, A. Ray Bates of Atlanta and Christine Hargrave and husband, the Rev. Jimmy Hargrave, both of Monroe, La.; seven grandchildren, Jerry J. Bates Jr. and Jasmine Bates, both of Natchez, Keldric Hunt and Kristen Hargrave, both of Monroe, Angel Gage and Angelica Gage, both of Atlanta, and Breanna Jefferson of Garland; one godchild, Tasha Green; three siblings, Rose Bates and Jacqueline Kelly, both of Natchez, and Eddie Kelly of Houston; five sisters-in-law, Mamie Fields and Ruby Ruffins, both of New Orleans, Mary Bell Taylor, Mary L. Butler and Shirley Green, all of Natchez; two brothers-in-law, Thomas Green and Richard Green and wife, Brenda, all of New Orleans; six aunts and uncles, Exelena Arbuthnot and husband, Charles, Mittie Ford, Josephine Bates, David Bates, Freddie Bates and wife, Josie, and Johnny Bates and wife, Shirley, all of Natchez; one cousin, James Coleman of Natchez; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.
Pallbearers will be friends and family.