Sara Fly Bates, 91, of Rainbow City, Alabama, went to her eternal home in heaven January 23, 
2021. Beloved, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend — she will be greatly missed by all. Sara was born and raised in NW Alabama and moved to Gadsden, Alabama in 1947 to attend the Holy Name of Jesus Hospital nursing program. Sara also attended Gadsden State Junior College and retired from her nursing career in 1988. She was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church in Gadsden, Alabama for over 70 years. She loved meeting her church family for coffee, church events and mass. Sara is survived by her sons Joseph M. Bates, Paul S. Bates, Christopher A. Bates; daughter-in-law JoAnn M. Bates; granddaughters Jennifer Davis (Kevin), Jessica Turner (Jeremy), Kristen McElderry (John), Heather Neuvar (Randle), Lauren Bates, Hannah Bates; great grandchildren Carson Davis, Cailey White, Bennett McElderry, Lucy McElderry, Emma McElderry, Luke Neuvar, Gracie Neuvar. Sara was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Elmer Bates; her sister Betty Coley; her daughter-in-law Donna S. Bates; and niece Barbara Coley and nephew Ricky Coley. A private family mass was held at St. James Catholic Church in Gadsden, Alabama, with the graveside service following at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Georgia Mountain, Alabama. Honorary pallbearers were John McElderry, Randall Neuvar, Kevin Davis, Jeremy Turner and Ryan Widzgowski. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sara’s name to the Center of Concern, St. James Catholic Church in Gadsden Alabama. Special thanks to Northside Healthcare and Nursing Home in Gadsden, Alabama for their love, care and support.
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Bates family.
