Mildred Lunford Bates

BATES-Mildred Lunsford Bates, age 81, of Graniteville, S.C., loving wife of Weldon M. Bates, Sr. and daughter of the late Grady and Lucille Crowder Lunsford, entered into rest on Saturday, January 10, 2015. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Donna Smith Williams of Graniteville, S.C.; sons, Randy (Sharon) Smith of Graniteville, S.C. and Johnny (Vicki) Flynn of California; a stepdaughter, Cindy(Jerry)Williams; a stepson Mike(Carla)Bates, Jr.; brother, Alvin Lunsford of Graniteville, S.C.; sisters, Dovie (Gregg) Narehood and Melita (Robert) Metcalf both of N.C.; nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchild. She was preceded in death by brothers, Bill Lunsford and Paul Lunsford. She was born in Ashville, N.C. but had been a lifelong resident of Aiken County, S.C. She was a member of Breezy Hill Baptist Church in Graniteville. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She shall be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched during the 81 years that God granted her on this earth; however, she shall live on forever in the hearts of her friends and loved ones. She has finished life’s journey and is now at peace with her Maker, the Lord Jesus Christ. The family will receive friends at Napier funeral Home, Monday evening, January 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A service, celebrating her life, will be held in the Chapel of Napier Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM with Brother Alvin Lunsford officiating. The interment will follow at the Graniteville Cemetery. The Pallbearers will be Danny Sanders, Chevy Smith, Rodney Smith, Bryan Adams, Jeremy Williams, Tommy Bussell and Mitch Lunsford. Memorials may be made to the Alzeheimers Association, 3223 Sunset Blvd., Suite 100, West Columbia, S.C. 29169. Napier Funeral Home, Inc., 315 Main Street, Graniteville, S.C. 29829 is in charge of the funeral arrangements. You can visit the online guest register at www.napierfuneralhomeinc.com.