of Mayflower, AR
January 11, 1931 - October 3, 2024
Ms. Grace Marie Bates, 93, of Mayflower passed from this life and met Jesus on October 3, 2024. She was born January 11, 1931, in St. Vincent, Arkansas to Bill and Mae Sponer. Grace had a smile and a presence that could warm a room! A devoted Catholic and a member of St. Joseph Church, she shared the love of Christ every chance she had. She retired from Safeway along with the love of her life and late husband, Walter Hollis Bates of 40 years.
She will be remembered by so many; she had a smile and a presence that would light up a room, patience like no other and she cherished and loved deeply. She made everyone feel loved and welcomed.
Preceding her in death are her Husband, Walter Bates; son, Randy Bates; twin Brother, Barney Sponer; sister, Loretta & (Bill) McAllister; brothers, Leon, Billy, Larry, and Thomas Sponer, and daughter-in-law, Janice Bates, sisters-in-law, Joan and Babs Sponer and her brother-in-law, Ross Guzzo.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Richard Bates of Mayflower and Gary (Angela) Bates of Conway; siblings, Betty Guzzo of California, and Bob (Diane) Sponer of Morrilton; grandchildren, Melonay (Eddy Jr.) York of Shirley, Shannon (Geremy Newman) of Bryant; Randi (Matthew) Barker of Oklahoma; Alison (Rick) Williams; great-grandchildren, Evan and Adam Sims of Benton, Ethan (Hannah) York of Conway and Esabella (Gavin) York of Colorado; Kealy and Lindsey Cotton of Conway; other survivors include her very large and loving family along with her church family members and a host of friends.
A Rosary and visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 10:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am. Burial will be in Edgewood Mausoleum in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
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8 Condolence(s)
Jamie Rees
Monday, October 7, 2024
Grace was like a sister to my great Aunties & my grandmother Christine. I remember her when I was a child, visiting when we went to Little Rock for Papas therapy. I fell in love with her, she will always have a special place in my heart. Rest In Please sweet Grace.
Vickie Barker
Monday, October 7, 2024
I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Grace Bates. I met her at Matthew and Randi's wedding. We visited while we sat by each other. She was so nice, such a kind and "graceful" lady. My God bless her!
Jerry Dussex
Monday, October 7, 2024
Rest in peace special lady….I will always have a special place in my heart for you…love you
Cathy Davis
Monday, October 7, 2024
R.I.P. may you fly high with the angels. Love, Cathy Davis
Bryan avance
Monday, October 7, 2024
Love u monk hope you are ok
Karen Adams Steele
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Love and prayers to the family of our beloved Aunt Grace. She was so precious and a jewel. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Love you always Aunt Grace.
Nick Guzzo
Sunday, October 6, 2024
I loved my Aunt Grace with my whole heart. She will be missed so very much. I know she is with God and her loved ones who she has been missing so much.
Christin Prater
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Mrs. Grace always had a smile and kind word to share with others. She gave the best hugs. I am praying for everyone whose lives she touched.