Wanda Bates

Wanda Lee Carter Bates born on January 20, 1927 and passed away on August 12, 2016 in Smyrna, Tennessee. Preceded in death by her husband Loyd A. Bates of Kentucky and parents Thomas Neal Carter and Helen Maupin Carter. Survived by Gaye Hughes 40 plus years friend and care giver; stepsons Eric Bates of New York, New York, Karl Bates of Sheperds Town, West Virginia, Mark Bates of Washington, DC. Wanda was born in Dallas, Texas and attended West End High School, Nashville and graduated from Vanderbilt University, Nashville. She worked for Bell South where she was the first female electrical engineer, retired on November 1, 1987 and President of Tennessee Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club. Founding member of Brentwood BPW, National Secretary of BPW and member of Belmont United Methodist Church. Passed away at The Waters of Smyrna formally Christian Care of Rutherford County, where she was a resident after a debilitating stroke. Because of being a resident in the nursing home, she is in the Who’s Who of Nursing Home Book. Graveside service will be on Friday August 19, 2016 at two o’clock, Woodlawn Memorial Park with gathering of family and friends on Wednesday August 17, 2016 from four o’clock until eight at Woodlawn Roesch Patton Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers send donations to Saint Thomas Foundation-Camp Blue Bird (Adult Cancer Camp sponsored by Saint Thomas and AT&T.) Visit the online obituary; www.woodlawn-roesch-patton-fh.com