Louise Hattie Bates

Louise Hattie Bates, born on August 25, 1933, in Magee, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in Terry, Mississippi, on December 1, 2025. She lived a fulfilling life and dedicated 31 years to Bellsouth Telephone Company as a switchboard operator before retiring.

Louise was a cherished member of First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, where she found joy in helping with the children. She also previously attended Terry Baptist Church, where her spirit of service left a lasting impact on her community.

Louise, affectionately known as Weeze, will be remembered fondly by her daughter, Patricia Ann Bates, and her four grandchildren: Elicia Rhea Register, Walter Adrian Cox, Dorothy Louise Verbick, and Melissa Elizabeth Hughes. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy: Daniel Hughes, Kyle Hughes, Michel Hughes, Stephen Ray Register, Marty Cooper, Aubrey Cox, and Anna Jones.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Aubrey Ray Bates, as well as her father, Walter Adrian Owens, and her mother, Melissa Jane Runnels Owens.

Visitation and funeral services for Louise will be held at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi. The visitation will take place Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.  Interment will be in Terry Cemetery. 

Louise Bates will be missed by all who knew her. Her kindness and dedication to family and community will remain in the hearts of those she touched.

You may livestream Mrs. Bates Funeral if you are not able to attend, starting at 1:55pm Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the following link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=17fe1120-7787-47fc-9412-4ae21321ec44