Velma Tyner Bates

Velma Tyner Bates, 97, of 1 Powell Drive died Thursday, February 1, 2007. Born in Georgia, she was the wife of the late Samuel D. Bates, and the daughter of the late William F. and Minnie Dye Tyner. Mrs. Bates was a homemaker and was a member of Berea Heights Baptist Church. Surviving is a daughter, Joy Shackleford, of Greenville; a daughter-in-law, Joyce W. Bates, of Greenville; three granddaughters, Kay Moran, Sammi Van Atta, Kerry Shackleford; three great-grandchildren, Erin, Ryan, Blake and one great-great- granddaughter, Ella. She was predeceased by a son, Dr. Rudolph D. Bates. Funeral services will be at 1:30p.m. Monday, at Berea Heights Baptist Church with burial in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Honorary Pallbearers will be past and present members of the Velma Bates Sunday School Class at Berea Heights Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Rudolph D. Bates Scholarship Fund, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29617. The family will be at the residence. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest is assisting the Bates family.