Funeral services were held at Saulters Moore Funeral Chapel in Prentiss for Mrs. Velma Marie Bates, 88, of Oakvale, who went home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2015, at Jefferson Davis Extended Care facility. Interment followed at Society Hill Cemetery. Saulters Moore Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

Rev. Tommy Broome and Rev. Jake Staten officiated. Pallbearers were Roy Jr., Matthew Powell, Joe Catoe, Caleb Watson, Pepe Venegas, Brian Adams, Anthony McDuffie and Jeremy Asarsi. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry McDuffie, Jerry Clark and Dale Shaver.

Mrs. Velma B. Bates was born on June 5, 1927. She was a seamstress, cake decorator and wedding planner. Mrs. Bates was a member of Society Hill Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Roy Bates of Oakvale and Royce Bates of Diamond Head (Carolyn); three daughters, Linda Adams of Picayune, Peggy A. Drewery of Lufkin, TX, and Kathy Clark of Sumrall (Jerry).

She had 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Percy Bates, Jr.; her parents, Alex and Celeste Bobinger; her daughter, Sherry Bates McDuffie; two sisters and three brothers.