Mary Bates

SALISBURY: Mary Frances Shoaf Bates 84 passed away at her residence Monday January 4, 2016. Born January 10, 1931 in Rowan County the daughter of the late Raymond L. Shoaf and Blanche Evans. Educated in the Rowan County school system and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a former beautician and had worked in the upholstery business and at Walmart in the fabric department. She also had a love for c rafts. Her first husband Wesley Stephens and second husband Lotus Ward Bates preceded her in death. A son also preceded her in death who was William Dale Stephens.

Survivors include two daughters Gail Marie Stephens Shelton and husband John of Denver, NC and Angela Lea Bates of Charlotte. A brother Tommy Shoaf of Salisbury, and a sister Lucille Martha Bush of Lenoir City, Tenn. 4 grandchildren 2 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday 6-8:00 pm at the Linn Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove, NC with funeral services to be conducted Thursday 2:00 pm by the Dr. Rev. Larry Beaver. Burial will follow at Rowan Memorial Park in Salisbury.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Association 1901 Brunswick Ave Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Linn Honeycutt Funeral Home is serving the Bates family.