Velma Bates

Velma Bates, a cherished matriarch and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 100, in her hometown of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Born on March 22, 1925, in Lawrence County, TN, Velma’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of love, faith, and family that she embodied.

Velma grew up in a bustling household, the beloved daughter of Gillie and Lou Ella Barnes Tidwell. Over the years, she bid farewell to her devoted parents, her loving husband, James Gerald Bates, her dear son, James Douglas Bates, and her eleven brothers and sisters. Her life was a rich tapestry of shared memories and heartfelt moments with her family and friends.

A woman of unwavering faith, Velma was a long-standing member of the Meadow View Baptist Church, where her Christian beliefs guided her through life’s many challenges and joys. Her commitment to her faith was evident in the way she lived her life, always with grace and compassion towards others.

Velma’s professional life was marked by her tenure as a dedicated clerk at Kmart, where she was known for her friendly demeanor and diligent work ethic. Even after her retirement, she remained a fond figure among her colleagues and customers, remembered for her warm smile and kind words.

The legacy Velma leaves behind is beautifully reflected in the lives of her surviving family members. She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Carol Edmondson of Ethridge, TN, and Barbara Galloway (Sam) of Cookeville, TN. Her joy was multiplied through her eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward the cherished memories and lessons she imparted. Her daughter-in-law, Debbie Kent Bates of Cookeville, TN, along with several nieces and nephews, will continue to honor Velma’s memory through their own lives.

Velma’s final journey will be accompanied by those she held dear, with Riley Gilbert, Cooper Gilbert, Tyson Williams, Grant Gammon, Grady Gammon, and Evan Rowe serving as pallbearers. They will carry her to her final resting place with the same strength and dignity with which she lived her life.

Velma Bates’ centennial life was marked by resilience, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the enduring impact she has made on all our lives. Velma’s story is not one of sorrow but a celebration of a life well-lived, a journey completed, and a rest well-deserved.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 20, 2025, with Steve Flippo officiating. Interment will follow at John Lay Cemetery in Ethridge, TN. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be sent by way of our website at www.nealfuneralhome.net.