Mary Edna Bates departed this life peacefully with family by her side on August 8, 2018. Born on March 20, 1934 in Prince Edward County Virginia.

Mary was the daughter of Irvin Oscar Atkins and Fannie Carter Booth Atkins. She was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Rufus Atkins and Mike Atkins. Surviving are her husband James W (Pete) Bates; daughter Nancy E Bradshaw; sons Mickey William Bates, Ronald E Bates (Janet); brother Tom Atkins; sister Shirley Layne; five grandchildren :Dustin Bates, Megan Nicholl, Zachary Bates, Stephen Bates, Katie Bradshaw, and great grandchildren: Jaylynn, Cameron, Madison, and soon to be Nolan.

Mary retired from the Farmville/Crewe Garment Factory after 20 years employment. She was a member of the Burkeville Baptist church. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, at the Burkeville Baptist Church in Burkeville, Virginia. The family received friends an hour before the service at the church. Interment was in the Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery in Rice, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Fellowship Hall, Burkeville Baptist Church. On-line condolences can be made at www.jennings-mcmillianfuneralhome.com.