Alma T. Bates, age 70, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at her residence in Forest, MS. Visitation was held on Friday, May, 19, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 19, 2023, from 9:00 AM until 9:50 AM at Wolf Funeral Services in Morton, MS. Services took place in the Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 AM. Burial was at Antioch-Steele Cemetery in Forest, MS. Pastor Jerry Farr officiated under the direction of Wolf Funeral Services.
Alma was born to Van Horn Townsend and Lener Vista Townsend on June 30, 1952, in Philadelphia, MS. She was a lifelong resident of Forest, MS. Alma attended Gasque Chapel United Methodist Church in Smith County, MS.
Alma was preceded in death by her husband, George Bates, Jr.; parents, Van and Vista Townsend; four brothers, David, Randolph, Jack and Tommie Joe Townsend.
She is survived by her two daughters, Arlene Monk of Forest, MS and Cynthia Wicker of Pulaski, MS; two brothers, Edward Townsend of Ethel, MS and Elija Townsend of Forest, MS; five grandchildren, Nicholas Monk, Jr., Marty Monk, Lance Wicker, William Wicker, Jr. and Brentley Wicker and a number of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Larry Bates, Tommy Bates, Morgan Fortenberry, Michael Runnels, William Wicker and Lance Wicker.
Honorary pallbearers were Willie Atkins and Jason Richardson.
We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our memory wall at www.wolffuneralservices.com .
