Janel Gray Bates, 84, of Huntsville, passed away Friday. Mrs. Bates was a lifelong resident of Madison County, born in New Market, the daughter of Howard and Glancye Walls Gray.
She attended Huntingdon College at the age of 15 and graduated from Auburn University at the age of 18. She received her master’s degree from Auburn University in 1956. She was a member of Omicron Nu and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies at Auburn.
Always active in the church, she was a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and elder in the Presbyterian Church. She was Bible moderator for Presbyterian Women.
Mrs. Bates was a member of Chi Omega Alumnae Association, Twickenham Town Chapter, DAR, the Aladdin Club, and the Junior Welfare League.
Survivors include her sons, Edwin T. Bates III of Maryville, TN, and William H. Bates, of New Market; sister, Sandra Vallely and husband, Pat, of Huntsville; sister-in-law, Mary Gray of New Market; several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin T. Bates, and brother, William H. Gray.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 12th at Rice Cemetery in New Market with the Rev. Tara Bulgar officiating. (www.laughlinservice.com)
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 307 Gates Ave., Huntsville, AL, 35801, or a charity of your choice.
