Velma Bates, a beloved 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 was the cherished daughter of Gillie and Lou Ella Barnes Tidwell and was predeceased by her loving husband, James Gerald Bates, her dear son, James Douglas Bates, and her eleven brothers and sisters. She was a woman of unwavering faith and a long-standing member of the Meadow View Baptist Church, where her Christian beliefs guided her through life’s many challenges and joys.
In her professional life, Velma was a dedicated clerk at Kmart, 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.
Velma is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Carol Edmondson of Ethridge, TN, and Barbara Galloway (Sam) of Cookeville, TN, as well as her eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. 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.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, and 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.
Velma’s story is not one of sorrow but a celebration of a life well-lived, a journey completed, and a rest well-deserved. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, and