Norma Gene (Blount) Bates

Norma Gene Bates, 74, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on July 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born on February 15, 1949, in Center, Texas, to the late Aaron Avery Blount Sr. and Girtuce Parker Blount. 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home from 6-8PM.

Graveside service will be held at 10AM on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Willow Grove Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas, with Bro. Joe Halliway officiating.

Norma was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated from Joaquin High School. Norma married the love of her life, Conald Webb Bates, on July 13, 1967, and the two were blessed with over 54 years together before his passing in 2022. Norma took great pride in raising her son Michael. Norma loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren. She enjoyed tending to her flowers. Norma had the greatest green thumb. She could grow anything. She loved her furry companion “Lucky” as they took care of one another. Norma loved the Lord and enjoyed time spent with her church family at Fellowship Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son, Michael Bates and wife Julie; grandson, Zachary Bates; grandson-in-law, Ryan Felder; sisters, Mickie Shull, Sandra Stephens and husband Jimmy; and a host of family of friends that will miss her dearly.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Webb Bates; infant daughter, Meta Michelle Bates; granddaughter, Kara Bates-Felder; sister, Clara Ann Touchstone; and brother, Aaron Blount Jr.

Pallbearers serving will be Lynn Stephens, Earnest Claybrook, Gunner Claybrook, Dale Blount, Lane Bates, and James Leggett.