Individual Details

Death

Elsie Viola Bates, age 90, of Little Rock, AR (formerly of Pine Bluff) passed from this life into an eternity with her Lord on May 29, 2017. She was born August 11, 1926 in Reydell, AR, daughter of Joe and Buelah (Revils) Matthews. On January 13, 1946 she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Robert Bates who preceded her in death January 17, 2017. After receiving her beautician license, Elsie opened a beauty shop in her home which she operated for a number of years. She loved her Savior and her church where she spent many hours volunteering her skills in various areas of church service. Elsie was very active in her “retired years”. She loved to pass her time quilting, cooking, camping, playing card games and lending a hand to help others. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Elsie lived well, laughed often and loved life. She is survived by one son, Floyd Bates and wife Virginia of Little Rock, grandchildren, Annette Neely and husband Scott of Grapevine, AR, Karla Brogen and husband Mike of China, Suzanne Hanson and Matthew Maple, a number of great-grandchildren, sisters, Annie Seaborn, Lucille Curbow, Holly Persons, Ruby Hallar and husband Ralph, brothers, Sunny Matthews and wife Martha and Bobby Matthews and wife Jewel. She is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Robert Bates and one daughter, Shirley Furr. Celebration Of Life will 1:00 PM, Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Trinity Assembly Of God Church in Little Rock with Brother Terry Newman and Pastor Dewayne Manyard officiating. Visitation will be 12:00-1:00 PM at the church. Interment will follow at Orion Cemetery in Redfield. Services by Smith Family Funeral Home in Green Forest, AR.