Jeanette Bates

Jeanette Huffman Bates, age 98, a lifelong resident of Morton died peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2022, surrounded by her loving family following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held at the New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery at 4pm Sunday, July 24, 2022.  Bro. Paul Smith and Bro Danny Dickerson will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 2pm till the service time at New Liberty Baptist Church.

Mrs. Bates was born on Monday, January 28, 1924, in Rankin County to her parents Clyde L. Huffman and Zora Gray Huffman.  She married Jeff Bates and of that union, four children were born. She worked for the Sunbeam Corporation where she retired. She and her husband helped form the New Liberty Baptist Church, where they met often under their carport until a building could be established. She loved her family and spent much time with them as often as possible.  She loved to cook and prepare meals for her family. She was a God-fearing woman, who loved people, the outdoors, and gardening.  She would often be found helping her husband on the farm.  Her Christian character reflected Proverbs 31 her entire life.  After retirement, she and her husband traveled to many states including California, New York, and Canada, and loved visiting Niagra Falls, and vacationing in the Smokey Mountains with her sisters.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jeff Bates, and siblings, Clyde Huffman, Jr., Dot Gray, Rita Banes, Cammie Falvey, and Tommie Huffman.

Survivors include her four children; Billy Jack Bates, (Joan), Jo Ann Hughes, Donna Rogers (Robert), and Sandy Neal (Rick) all of Morton.

She is also survived by her siblings, Velma Knight, Frankie Huff, Mattie Garrett (Finis),  Jimmy Huffman (Virginia) all of Pelahatchie, and  Carol Traxler of Polkville.  She also leaves a legacy of 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Pallbearers are Shannon Bates, Lane Withers, Dusty Bates, Jeffrey Rogers, Lucas Bates, and Toby Cooper.  Honorary pallbearers are George Boyd, John Robert Irby, Colon Measels, Teddy Anthony, and Rory Garcia.

Services are provided by OTT & LEE Funeral Home of Morton.  Tel.  (601) 732-6571