LeRee passed away on February 18, 2024. She was born on August 25, 1925, in Franklinton, Louisiana, to Milton B. "Mit" Bateman and Mary Simmons Baterman. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Emily Bateman Wadsworth, and Kathieen Bateman Doughty, and two brothers, Myford "Mike Bateman, and James Bateman.
LeRee was a 1946 graduate of Mather School of Nursing of Baptist Hospital in New Orleans. She loved her career as a registered nurse, and retired with over 50 years of experience in both private practice and industrial nursing.
LeRee never met a stranger, and she was always ready and willing to help when it was needed. She stayed physically active all of her life, and participated in the Baton Rouge and Louisiana Senior Olympics for many years winning scores of first place medals in various events. She was an avid LSU sports fan, and had football season tickets until she was in her early 80's. She proudly wore her LSU purple and gold outfits on game days. At the age of 91, LeRee embarked on a new phase of her life when she moved to Williamsburg Senior Living Retirement Community. Her last 7 years were happily spent at Williamsburg where she met many new friends among the residents and staff, and joined in almost every activity held there. The annual Williamsburg Tiger Tailgate party was a particular favorite, as were the monthly birthday parties held there.
LeRee is survived by her nieces: Peggy Doughty Duerr (Baton Rouge, LA), Frances Bateman Chancellor (Montpelier, VA), Delores Bateman Tousinau (Slidell, LA), Donna Bateman Powell (Lansdale, PA), and nephews: Gary Bateman (Walker, LA), Paul Bateman (Baton Rouge, LA), and R. Stephen Doughty (Portland, OR), along with great and great-great nieces and nephews who all fondly remember her as the "fun aunt" who always ready to go somewhere or try something new.
She was a member of Grace Baptist Church for over 50 years, and later a member of Oakcrest Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, with visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Ellis Cemetery in Franklinton, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to a charity of your choice in LeRee's name.
