Mrs. Ann Bates

Mrs. Mildred Ann Bates completed her journey through this world on her 89th birthday, December 27th, 2023. Born Mildred Annette Neal December 27th, 1934, to Earl E. and Mary Louvenia Strickland Neal in her parents’ home in Pheba, Mississippi. A graduate of Clay County Agricultural School in Pheba and later a first-generation college graduate when she completed her studies in Home Economics at Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus, Mississippi. Before graduation, Ann met Bobby Joe Bates, of Columbus, while he was on leave from his service with the United States Navy. They courted until the end of his submariner duties with the Navy. After college graduation, she served the Marks, Mississippi community as the Home Economics extension agent. In June 1958, Bob and Ann were married at Pheba Baptist Church and moved to the Dallas, Texas area where Bob served in the United States Air Force. After 5 years, they relocated back to Pheba, where they lived since 1965. Mrs. Ann retired from 30 years of teaching in the Clay and Webster County school districts in 1992, having influenced hundreds of elementary children through her classroom, Sunday school class or through intentional encounters. Her teaching ministry touched many people; evidenced by the overwhelming numbers that would constantly approach her to remind her that she taught them. Walking through her yard, one could see her love for flowers and gardening cultivated by her through her Master Gardener certification. Ann was well known for her cooking skills, most notably her home-made bread. Her bread starter has been shared widely across generations of friends and family. Ann’s greatest loves were God, her husband, Bob, her children and grandchildren. She cherished the 4th of July BBQ tradition started by her father as a time to bring her family home and enjoy time with old and new friends while “Pinching the Pig.” She loved every part of her life; her faith, her husband, her family, her home, and working with children. As we think of the life that she led, the words gracious, kind, loving, devoted and contentment come to mind. An aspiring legacy to us all. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Bob, two sons, Joe (wife, Susan), Tim (wife Ann), one daughter, Catherine (husband Jody), as well as seven grandchildren (Jennifer, Shannon, Ellen, Molly, Joel, Mary Catherine, and Taylor) and sixteen great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mary Banks. Visitation will be Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at Pheba Baptist Church in Pheba. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Pheba Baptist Church with Reverend Clifton Curtis officiating and assisted by Mr. Danny White. Burial will follow in Pheba Cemetery in Pheba. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Jody Ray, Joel Ray, Taylor Ray, Chase Brown, Chad Kirchoff, Braxton Harris, Eddie Strickland, and Clayton Williams. Memorials may be made to The Baptist Children's Village, P. O. Box 27, Clinton, Mississippi 39060. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Ann Bates

December 27, 1934 - December 27, 2023