Joann Felton Bates

Mrs. Joann Felton Bates was born on November 8, 1946, to the late Willie James Felton and late Earline Hayes Felton in Colbert County, AL. She was the oldest of four children. She departed this life on January 1, 2021 at her home in Muscle Shoals, AL.

Joann gave her life to Christ at an early age at Mt. Olievia M. B. Church. She later joined Bethel Colbert M.B. Church, with her husband, where she remained a faithful member until her death. She was on the usher board, a member of the Senior and Mass choir and a youth Sunday school teacher with her husband, matron.

Joann graduated from Leighton Training School in 1965. While attending LTS, she was a homecoming queen, cheerleader and on the dance line. She retired from Sheffield City School System after working there for thirteen years.

She married the love of her life, Clarence Bates, Sr., on November 10, 1973. In this marriage they shared a wonderful blended family of 5 children. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She was called GRANNY by her children, Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren. She was called JOBLOW by her husband. They were her pride and joy. She also loved the rest of her family, friends and the Class of 1965. Joann loved cooking, shopping and talking on the phone to her children, grandchildren, siblings, sister-in-laws, Fannie Cooper, Annie (JUGG) Booker and Etta Burgess. She LOVED her clothes, shoes and jewelry.

Joann is preceded in death by, parents and a sister, Katherine Felton Jones. She leaves to cherish her memories; the love of her life, her husband for 47 years, Clarence Bates, Sr. ,three daughters, Jennifer D. Malone of Muscle Shoals, AL, Bridgett A. (Keith) Garner of Muscle Shoals, AL, Chiquita L. (Patrick) Smith of Tuscumbia, AL, two sons, Clarence E. Bates, Jr., of Muscle Shoals and Thomas P. (Sherry) Bates of Muscle Shoals, AL. Seven Grandchildren Justin K. (LaKayla) Garner of Madison, AL, Ikeen S. Malone of Muscle Shoals, AL, Darius K. Garner of Muscle Shoals, AL, Shania H. Smith of Tuscumbia, AL, Demetrius Bates and Mikaela Bates of Muscle Shoals, AL, Jodi (LaDrake) Roy of Florence, AL, an adopted grandchild, Kadence Houston, five great grandchildren Kendalyn J. Garner of Madison, AL, Kaylee F. Harris (Garner) of Madison, AL, Zacharian Bates of Tuscumbia, AL Kyree and Kobi Roy of Florence, AL Alabama, one sister LuGertha Sharpley of Muscle Shoals, AL, one brother, Ethan A. (Shelia) Felton of Muscle Shoals, AL , nine sister-in-laws, Ida (Edward) Nance of Sheffield, AL, Gladys (McCoy) Jackson of Leighton, AL, Edna Hamilton of Muscle Shoals, AL, Susie (Bill) Walker of Lansing MI, Joyce (Percy) Eggleston of Muscle Shoals, AL Thelma Hodges of Traverse City, MI, Pauline (Roosevelt) Beasley of Lansing, MI, Hazel Horton of Leighton, AL, Carolyn Bates of Leighton, AL one brother-in-law, James W. Bates of Berlin, Germany; two god-children, Brandon and Joya Blair of Tuscumbia, AL, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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