Lois Johnson Bates, 99, of Benton, passed away on January 23, 2025.

She was born on February 7, 1925, in Varnell, GA, to the late John H. and Edna Johnson, and grew up in Conasauga, TN throughout her early years.

Lois graduated from Polk County High School in 1943, and began working in Oak Ridge, TN at Carbide and Carbon Chemical Corporation until after World War 2 in 1947. She met JP Bates in 1946, and they got married on June 14, 1947, after the war.

In 1962, she graduated from nursing school conducted by Bradley County Board of Education and the Tennessee State of Vocational Board of Education. She worked at Bradley Memorial Hospital, Cleveland Community Hospital, and Benton Family Healthcare Center.

She loved being a nurse and taking care of everyone, dedicating herself for approximately 40 years. Mrs. Lois loved helping underserved communities and was involved in many volunteer organizations. One group that she was proud of working with for over 30 plus years was The Empty Stocking Fund, which was founded to serve underprivileged children. Another fond memory was the many meals provided through the Meals on Wheels Program.

Mrs. Bates lived a long-blessed life, and she lived life to the fullest, always enjoying life. She was a people person; she loved people and people loved her. One of her most favorite sayings was, "If she ever missed anything in her life, she didn't mean to."

In addition to her parents, John H. and Edna Johnson, she was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, J.P. Bates; siblings, Raymond Johnson, Annie Hullender, Johnnie Fisher, Dimple Brock, Lilly Gurley, William "Buck" Johnson, Gene Johnson, Bid Self, and Margie Johnson.

Left to cherish the many memories include her beloved son and caregiver, Dennis Bates; beloved daughter, Vicki (David) Burris; adored grandchildren, Amanda Burris, Justin (Kara) Burris; beloved great granddaughters, Kimber, Carsen and Camryn Burris; sister, Sue Self. Several nieces, nephews and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Zion Baptist Church, with Rev. Steve Ross, Pastor David Peters, and Pastor Mike Hazlewood officiating. Interment will follow at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rickey Hutchinson, Eddie Self, Justin Burris, Ronnie Price, Roy Raines, Mike Self, Sam Morgan and Alex Satterfield serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Adams, John Adams, Bob Adams, Wilson Rogers, Johnny Campbell and Bo Bramlett.

Family and friends will gather from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, and from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, prior to the service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.