Mrs. Betty Marie Wates, age 75 of the Gum Thicket Community passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021 at her residence.

Betty was born on August 25, 1946 in Haleyville, AL and a 1966 graduate of Lilbourn High School. Betty was a member of The Shepherd’s Field Church. She worked for many years in the textile industry around the Marion County area. Betty married the love of her life Jerry Wates on August 17, 1968 at New Hope Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family. Betty could always light up a room with her smile and laughter.

Betty is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jerry Wates, son, Jared Wates, daughter, Deanna Duckworth (Bobby), granddaughter, Kasey Bass and her fiancé, Kevin Bryant, great grandson, Tyson Bass, sisters, Faye Alford of Bessemer, Shirley Miskell of TN and Pat Kinsey of Lilbourn, MO, brother, Larry Townley of Lilbourn, MO and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosie Blanche Davis Townley, her father, Odell Townley, sisters, Louise Taylor, Inez Crowe, Doris Huff, and her brother, Donald Ray Townley.

Funeral services for Mrs. Wates will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Wates, Dickinson Community Cemetery. Dr. Larry Wates will be the officiating minister. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. service time at the Funeral Home.