Lois Carolyn Jones Bates, age 80, of Covington, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at Piedmont Newton in Covington.

Lois Bates was a lifelong resident of Jasper County. Her parents were the late Ralph Clinton Jones and Fleta Mae Tomlin Jones. She was also preceded in death by her son, Anthony Craig Bates; and best friend, Annette Hitchcock.

Lois joined New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in 1945, and is considered one of the oldest members. She married Chalton Bates 60 years ago and was the first couple on record to be married in her church.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joe Chalton Bates of Covington; daughters, Marsha (Eddie) Smith of Covington, and Sueellen (Mark) Miller of Hennessey, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Ryan Bates, Maria Ruckel, Chris Daniel, Cassie Daniel, Austin Miller, and Ethan Miller; great grandchildren, Ayden Bates, Luke Ruckel, Evan Ruckel, Lane Daniel, Layna Daniel, and Ryan Miller; sister and brother, Brenda Burford of Griffin, and Donald Jones of Mansfield; and lifetime friend, Marie Lewis of Mansfield.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Mansfield. Interment will be held in the church cemetery. Dr. Randal Reese will officiate.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Bates, Chris Daniel, Austin Miller, Ethan Miller, Charles Mason, and Kenneth Mason.

The family will receive friends from 2 p.m.-3p.m., Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Mansfield.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers to New Rocky Creek Baptist Church, c/o Pledge Fund, 190 Rocky Creek Road, Mansfield, Georgia 30055.

Visit Jordan Funeral Home’s website at jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.