Anna Mae Bates, age 96 of Murphy passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Murphy Rehab and Nursing. She was the daughter of the late Charlie Parks and Hattie Howard Parks. She was a homemaker. Anna was a longtime member of Ranger Baptist Church where she taught adult Sunday School for 37 years, WMU director, church treasurer and helped with Vacation Bible School, and all other church functions and activities.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Emerson Bates Sr.; daughter, Joyce Ann Bates; granddaughter, Kimberly Lee Daniels and brother, Howard Parks.
Anna is survived by her sons, Willard Emerson Bates, Jr and wife, Margie and Richard Bates and wife, Peggy; sister, Hazel Morris; grandson, Phillip Bates and 3 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be at 2pm Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Ranger Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Jimmy Hogsed will officiate. Ranger Baptist Church deacons will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive from 1-2pm Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Ranger Baptist Church.
You may send tributes to the Bates family at www.townson-rose.com
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Sheridan Harley Dockery 
