Josie Lee Bates

Josie Lee Bates, age 86 passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at her home in Idabel, OK. She was born on October 31, 1935 in Haworth, OK, the daughter of Kit and Julia Hudgins Wright.

Josie was a woman of many talents and many hobbies. She enjoyed sewing and crafting, especially when she could share those things with those she loved. You would often find her sewing and crafting with her grandchildren. She also loved fashion, shopping, and spending time with her family. One of her favorite pastimes was telling stories to the many children in her life, sharing Bible stories, nursery rhymes, and children’s songs. But what Josie loved most was doing the work God called her to do – she wasn’t just a pastor’s wife, she was a mother and grandmother to each and every person who walked through the doors of her church. She loved teaching Sunday school, and in later years, sharing her time at home with her “adopted grandchildren”: Kinzy Cupit, Kaitlynn Bell, Bree and Tristan Ishcomer, and Kaycee and David Moore. Josie lived and loved every day with a passion for Christ and His love.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Chuck Bates; son, Rev. Sam Bates; two brothers, Ed Wright, and Ollie Wright; two nephews, Jerry Wright, Jr. and Johnny Trim; and a sister, Clara Wright.

Josie is survived by her children; Rev. Ronnie Bates of Redland, OK, Rev. Mike and Debbie Bates of Chickasha, OK, Linda and Lester Clowers of Idabel, OK, Glenda Bates of Idabel, OK, and Paul and Tammy Bates of Montague, TX; daughter-in-law, Joy Bates of Tulsa, OK; her grandchildren, Jenny Bates, Jessica Bates, Joseph Bates, Lacey Bates, Chantry and wife, Anna Bates, Joshua and wife, Kaysee Clowers, Rebekah Clowers, Chance and Ami Parker, Chris Bates, Zachary Bates, Holly and Johnathan Splawn, Brooke Bates, Caitlyn and Justice Leathers; great-grandchildren, Devin Bates, Isaac Bates, Wyatt Bates, Cruz Bates, Ruger Bates, Bear Bates, Maudie Bates, Grace Thames, Alivia Parker, Paisley Parker; other relatives, many friends and her church family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the Faith Assembly of God Church in Idabel, OK with Rev. Ronnie Bates and Rev. Mike Bates officiating. Interment will follow at the Redland Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitefamilyfh.com.

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